The Los Angeles Rams’ roster is going to look a bit different in 2024 as the team has lost some key pieces and captains.
Chief among them is obviously Aaron Donald, who made the decision to retire from the NFL after 10 seasons with the Rams. Losing Donald is a huge hit to any defense as the superstar is irreplaceable.
The Rams are also losing another defensive captain in safety Jordan Fuller though, who is signing a one-year contract with the Carolina Panthers in free agency, per Ian Rapoport and Tom Pelissero of NFL Network:
The #Panthers aren't done, as they are signing #Rams S Jordan Fuller, source said. Another defensive addition.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 15, 2024
It's 1 year up to $5.25 million, per source https://t.co/dZarSgwpDa
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) March 15, 2024
Fuller and the Panthers would later go on to confirm the signing as he expressed excitement for the new opportunity:
Blessed beyond measure, more motivated than ever. Let’s get to it!! https://t.co/v5CVku7xgw
— Jordan Fuller (@j_fuller4) March 16, 2024
Fuller was a sixth round draft pick of the Rams in 2020 out of Ohio State and was able to carve out a role for himself immediately.
In four seasons with the Rams, Fuller played 48 games (46 starts) and recorded 279 total tackles with seven interceptions. He is coming off a 2023 season in which he started all 17 games and had 94 tackles, three interceptions, three forced fumbles and eight passes defensed.
It is surprising to see Fuller only land a one-year contract, although a return to the Rams seemed to be out of the question after they came to terms with another free agent safety in Kamren Curl, formerly of the Washington Commanders.
While it’s hard to replace what Fuller brought to the Rams, especially from a leadership perspective, Curl is a budding young star in the NFL and L.A. was able to get him at a reasonable price.
Fuller will always be remembered for his strong play with the Rams though, going from a sixth round pick to a captain in short order.
Rams lose Coleman Shelton to Bears
The Rams also recently lost another key piece of their roster in Coleman Shelton, who signed with the Chicago Bears after the team signed Jonah Jackson as a replacement on the offensive line.
While the Rams are hoping to build off their 2023 season and get back into Super Bowl contention, there will be a lot of new faces in the building in 2024.
