Nick Hampton, Los Angeles Rams
Getty
Nick Hampton #31 of the Los Angeles Rams kneels during the national anthem before playing the Detroit Lions.
The Los Angeles Rams have drafted well under the guidance of general manager Les Snead and head coach Sean McVay, to the point where prospects like Nick Hampton could be primed for larger roles in situations with greater opportunities.
Hampton could be getting that opportunity.
While not one of the Rams’ headlining stars, Hampton carved out a significant role for himself during his tenure in LA.
Rams Lose Pass Rusher to Panthers
Nick Hampton, Los Angeles Rams
GettyNick Hampton #31 of the Los Angeles Rams looks on before a game against the Seattle Seahawks.
Hampton had an eventful 2025 season with the Rams. He began the campaign on the 53-man roster but was waived and, ultimately, re-signed to the practice squad. The Rams elevated Hampton as needed the rest of the way, but he has taken his talents elsewhere in free agency.
“Nick Hampton to #Panthers,” KPRC 2’s Aaron Wilson reported in a post on X, signaling the official end of the former Appalachian State Mountaineers star’s time with the Rams.
The Rams selected Hampton 161st overall in the 2023 draft.
Hampton, who turns 26 in April, played in 12 games during the 2025 regular season. He finished with 10 total tackles in 12 games as a reserve. He logged career-best snap shares of 14% on defense and 65% on special teams, per Pro Football Reference.
Hampton has 17 combined stops and 2 pass deflections in 36 career games played, all with the Rams.
He has 3 more stops in three playoff games.
Hampton was one of two players the Panthers signed in free agency on Friday. The former Rams linebacker was joined in the transaction wire by ex-Atlanta Falcons tight end Felipe Franks, a converted college quarterback.
Hampton is coming off a four-year, $4.1 million rookie-scale contract with the Rams. Details of his Panthers deal have yet to emerge publicly.
Notably, the Panthers defeated the Rams in Week 13, but LA got revenge in the NFC Wild Card.
Nick Hampton Facing Potentially Significant Opportunity
Nick Hampton, Los Angeles Rams
GettyJonathan Taylor #28 of the Indianapolis Colts runs with the ball as Nick Hampton #6 of the Los Angeles Rams defends.
Hampton’s ability to affect opposing quarterbacks was viewed as a strength before the draft. A rotation featuring 2024 Defensive Rookie of the Year Jared Verse and Rams 2025 team sack leader Byron Young proved difficult to crack.
Still, despite some of the warts in his game, Hampton could be in for a step up in responsibility with the Panthers.
It will be up to him to capitalize on it.
“Undersized 3-4 outside linebacker who might require a game plan from his drafting team due to the strengths and weaknesses of his frame and his game. Hampton isn’t anything special as a run defender, but his pass-rush tape really stands out,” NFL.com’s Lance Zierlein wrote in 2022.
“Explosive, linear pass rusher featuring subtle techniques near the top of the rush that help him access the pocket. Hampton will be a strong tester but finding a clean positional fit could be a challenge. At worst, he could find snaps as a full-time special-teamer and backup linebacker with pass-rush talent.”
Hampton has already fulfilled the final line of Zierlein’s projection with the Rams. He could be primed to live up to some of the loftier expectations with the Panthers.
Rams Could Be Team to Watch for Pass Rusher in Draft
Byron Young, Los Angeles Rams
GettyByron Young #0 of the Los Angeles Rams reacts against the Baltimore Ravens.s
With Hampton officially no longer an option, the Rams could be a prime landing spot for a pass rusher in the draft. That is particularly true outside of Rounds 1 and 2. It is expected to be a deep class. LA still has seven picks, three of which are in the top 100.
Young is a free agent in 2027, as is former undrafted free agent Keir Thomas. Thomas and 2025 third-rounder Josaiah Stewart are the only other pass rushers the Rams have under contract.
Hampton’s departure may seem minor, but it looms large for the Rams.