The Los Angeles Rams announced that they have signed defensive lineman Decarius Hawthorne to a one-year contract.
Hawthorne originally joined the Buffalo Bills as an undrafted free agent after playing his final college season with the University of South Florida in 2024.
With the Bulls, Hawthorne recorded 40 tackles and finished second on the team with 10.5 tackles for loss in 13 starts. He added 2.5 sacks, three quarterback hurries, two pass breakups, one forced fumble and one fumble recovery en route to Second Team All-AAC honors.
Hawthorne began his collegiate career at Florida Atlantic University, where he tallied 46 tackles (13.5 for loss) and five sacks in 34 games across four seasons.
Hawthorne most recently participated in the Bills’ rookie minicamp last month after receiving an invitation. He provides depth to a Rams defensive line that is led by Braden Fiske, Kobie Turner and offseason signing Poona Ford.
L.A. also addressed the position by selecting defensive tackle Ty Hamilton out of Ohio State in the fifth round of the 2025 NFL Draft.
Rams named as potential landing spot for Jaire Alexander
As Jalen Ramsey awaits a potential trade from the Miami Dolphins, another star cornerback has hit the open market in former Green Bay Packers All-Pro Jaire Alexander.
Alexander is a two-time Pro Bowler, but he has been limited to only 14 games over the last two seasons due to various injuries.
However, Alexander has shown in the past that he can be a game-changer when healthy, as evidenced by his 10 interceptions from 2018-22.
The Rams were named as a potential landing spot for Alexander, but head coach Sean McVay downplayed the possibility on Tuesday.
L.A. is considered more likely to reunite with Ramsey, who spent four seasons with the team and helped them win Super Bowl LVI.
