CLEVELAND, OHIO - AUGUST 23: Head coach Sean McVay of the Los Angeles Rams reacts during the second half of an NFL Preseason 2025 game against the Cleveland Browns at Huntington Bank Field on August 23, 2025 in Cleveland, Ohio. The Browns defeated the Rams 19-17. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images)
As teams across the NFL begin the process of trimming their roster to the regular-season limit of 53 players, some surprising names usually find themselves on the wrong side of the roster bubble. Promising rookie, established veterans, young players looking to take the next step — all can find themselves squeezed out of a spot on the team at a strong position or for monetary concerns.
For the Los Angeles Rams, one unexpected name has already been released. ED Brennan Jackson, a fifth-round pick in 2024, was released on Monday, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter. Jackson was second in the league in sacks this preseason, and was thought to have a relatively safe roster spot as a reserve at edge rusher.
Brennan Jackson Was a Stud in College
Brennan Jackson
Harry How/GettyINGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA – AUGUST 16: Scott Matlock #44 of the Los Angeles Chargers rolls out of the pocket away from Brennan Jackson #44 of the Los Angeles Rams during the NFL Preseason 2025 game between Los Angeles Chargers and Los Angeles Rams at SoFi Stadium on August 16, 2025 in Inglewood, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
It should come as no surprise that Jackson was a phenomenal player in college — you’ll be hard-pressed to find a single player in the NFL who wasn’t a college star. But Jackson had a decorated career at Washington State. With the Cougars, Jackson was twice named second-team All-Pac 12 and became one of the conference’s premier pass rushers. Across his final three seasons with the Cougars, Jackson tallied 144 tackles, 21 tackles for a loss, 19 sacks, two forced fumbles, five fumble recoveries, an interception, and eight passes defensed.
In his rookie season, Jackson appeared in seven games and recorded three tackles and a pass defensed. This preseason, he had five tackles and three sacks in three games, making a statement that he deserved a roster spot. While the Rams didn’t have room for him on the roster, he’s likely to be claimed by another team in need of pass rush help.
Defensive Line is the Strongest Position Group for the Los Angeles Rams
The Rams are considered one of the favorites in the NFC, and as such, they have a strong, deep roster at most positions. But if there was one group you’d highlight as particularly great, it’s the defensive line. Los Angeles runs a 3-4 defense, so they have a nose tackle, two “big ends,” and a pair of edge rushers along their defensive front.
At edge defender, they have 2024 Defensive Rookie of the Year Jared Verse back for his sophomore campaign alongside third-year pro Byron Young poised to hound quarterbacks. Their big ends are Braden Fiske and Kobie Turner, two incredibly reliable and productive pass rushers, and at nose tackle they signed Poona Ford this offseason.
Behind those five, the Rams sport rookies Josaiah Stewart and Ty Hamilton, Nick Hampton, Tyler Davis, and Larrell Murchison. It’s a great group of defensive stalwarts to wreak havoc on opposing offenses, anchored by some of the best pass rushers in the league. It’s unfortunate that Jackson couldn’t find a home with the Rams, but with that kind of depth, someone was going to be out of a spot.