The Los Angeles Rams are shifting their approach this offseason, particularly when it comes to addressing their linebacker corps. With the 2025 free agency period underway, ESPN’s Aaron Schatz predicts the Rams could target Las Vegas Raiders veteran Robert Spillane to bolster their defense.
“The Rams typically avoid spending on off-ball linebackers, but their new draft strategy last year paid off. Why not try a fresh approach with linebackers too?” Schatz wrote on February 28. “Spillane is an underrated, versatile linebacker who excels against both the run and the pass.”
Last season, Spillane was involved in 19.2% of the Raiders’ defensive plays, ranking third in the NFL behind Budda Baker and Zaire Franklin. He also finished sixth in the league with 29 “defeats,” a stat that tracks impactful plays like turnovers. Additionally, Spillane ranked among the top linebackers in Schatz’s coverage DVOA metric.
With Rams linebackers Troy Reeder and Christian Rozeboom hitting free agency, Spillane could slot in alongside last season’s standout rookie, Omar Speights. The Athletic’s David DeChant, Jourdan Rodrigue, and Vic Tafur ranked Spillane as the No. 46 overall free agent and the sixth-best linebacker in their “Tier 3” category. Despite being an undrafted free agent, Spillane is expected to command a significant payday this offseason.
Over The Cap estimates the Rams will have $44.1 million in cap space, though restructuring Matthew Stafford’s contract and potential trades involving Cooper Kupp and Jonah Jackson could impact that figure. Spillane, who began his NFL career with the Tennessee Titans in 2018, didn’t see consistent playing time until joining the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2019. He later signed a two-year, $7 million deal with the Raiders in 2023.
“Raiders fans weren’t thrilled when Spillane joined from the Steelers, but he transformed into more than just a run-stopper,” The Athletic’s staff noted on February 24. “He improved his coverage skills and football IQ, becoming a team leader and starting all 34 games over the past two seasons. In 2024, he recorded 158 tackles, two sacks, two interceptions, and seven pass breakups. While defensive coordinator Patrick Graham may want to keep him, the Raiders could let the market set his price.”
Spillane ranks fourth in combined tackles over the last two seasons, per Stathead, and is tied for the most sacks among that group. Spotrac projects his value at a two-year, $20.8 million deal, which would make him the seventh-highest-paid player on the Rams’ roster, assuming Jackson and Kupp remain.
With Rams stars like Kyren Williams and Puka Nacua also due for new contracts, signing Spillane would signal a bold shift in the team’s strategy as they aim to rebuild their defense for a playoff push.
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