The Los Angeles Rams have watched several defensive players from their roster last year find new homes for the 2025 season since the start of NFL free agency.
Among the departures are linebacker Christian Rozeboom and defensive tackle Bobby Brown III, who both signed contracts with the Carolina Panthers.
The Rams also saw linebacker Michael Hoecht join the Buffalo Bills on a three-year contract and defensive tackle Neville Gallimore ink a one-year deal with the Indianapolis Colts.
The Rams are now set to lose another linebacker as Jake Hummel is signing a one-year contract with the Baltimore Ravens, via Dianna Russini of The Athletic:
Rams LB and special teams ace Jake Hummel heads to the Ravens on a 1-year deal, per source.
— Dianna Russini (@DMRussini) March 12, 2025
Hummel originally joined the Rams as an undrafted free agent out of Iowa State in 2022. He didn’t get many defensive snaps, but was one of the team’s top special teams contributors over the last three seasons.
Hummel most notably recorded eight tackles on special teams in the Rams’ win over the Buffalo Bills last season, which also saw him block a punt that was returned for a touchdown.
The 26-year-old finished his Rams career with 31 tackles in 41 games (one start). His lone start came at linebacker in the team’s regular season finale against the Seattle Seahawks, when he recorded a career-high eight tackles.
Hummel’s loss will mostly be felt on special teams but the Rams do need to eventually address the linebacker position in free agency or the 2025 NFL Draft.
Rams sign Poona Ford
The Rams’ only addition on defense to this point has been the signing of former Los Angeles Chargers defensive tackle Poona Ford to a three-year contract.
In 17 games with the Chargers last season, the 29-year-old had 38 total tackles, eight tackles for loss and three sacks. He is known to be a run stuffer, but the Rams believe there is some untapped potential there when it comes to rushing the passer as well.
Ford now joins a talented defensive line that includes Jared Verse, Byron Young, Kobie Turner and Braden Fiske. That group really came on in the second half of the 2024 season and should be even better in 2025.
