NFC Divisional Playoffs: Los Angeles Rams
NFC Divisional Playoffs: Los Angeles Rams | Kara Durrette/GettyImages
Many fans have been lobbying hard for the Los Angeles Rams to fix their run defense. After being gashed by Philadelphia Eagles RB Saquon Barkley twice in two games last season, it seemed like a reasonable request. After all, the Eagles went on to win Super Bowl LIX quite handily. And if any team plans to defeat them in 2025, they have to have a plan to stop Barkley.
That is easier said than done.
But the first start to any reinforcing of this defense is creating the open roster slots to upgrade. And so far, the Rams seem to be willing to part ways with nose tackles and linebackers whose contracts had expired at the end of 2024. The team has lost ILBs Christian Rozeboom and Jake Hummel, OLB Michael Hoecht, and NT Bobboy Brown III. And now, you can write in NT Neville Gallimore as another player who is signing elsewhere. He has reached an agreement on a one-year deal with the Indianapolis Colts.
Source: Free-agent DT Neville Gallimore reached agreement tonight on a one-year deal with the Indianapolis Colts. pic.twitter.com/QqsyVV46gU
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 13, 2025
Gallimore was a bit subdued throughout 2024, putting up 19 tackles and one quarterback hit in the regular season. But he exploded in the postseason, putting up six tackles, 2.5 quarterback sacks, and three tackles for a loss.
Gallimore was far better at rushing the passer than stuffing the run, which likely led to the Rams willingness to seek a new team for 2025. But he was instrumental in the defense's ability to put up 16 quarterback sacks in two playoff games this past season. And his contribution, with that of Michael Hoecht, takes 13 tackles and 3.0 QB sacks from the defense in just two postseason contests.
The Los Angeles Rams are still in the first week of the 2025 NFL Free Agency market, so it's no time to panic. But the Rams players are certainly rather popular with other teams. And while there is every reason to remain patient, the Rams chances of finding obvious talent and upgrades in the run defense is becoming more difficult.
The team has a lot to do to be ready for the 2025 NFL season. While the starters appear to be on the roster, the team seems to be lacking solid rotational pieces. That will likely be remedied in the coming weeks.
As always, thanks for reading.
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