LA Rams linebacker Christian Rozeboom was a restricted free agent at the beginning of the 2024 offseason. However, rather than tendering Rozeboom, which would have cost the team around $3 million, the Rams agreed to a guaranteed deal him.
As noted at Rams Wire, Rozeboom is a key player for the team:
“Rozeboom was the No. 2 inside linebacker with the Rams last season, playing meaningful snaps alongside Ernest Jones in the middle of the defense. [¶] He also plays on special teams, which is an area the Rams must improve next season.”
NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport tweeted about the development:
The #Rams are bringing back ILB Christian Rozeboom, source says. He was an RFA who wasn't tendered, but the two sides worked out a fully guaranteed deal for him to return.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 15, 2024
CBS News reported:
Rozeboom had a couple offers from other teams, but he ultimately chose to return to Los Angeles for his fourth season with the team. The South Dakota State product had the best season of his career in 2023, racking up 79 total tackles and four passes defended, including one interception, in 17 regular-season outings. Expect Rozeboom to have the opportunity to compete for a starting inside linebacker spot once again this offseason.
About Christian Rozeboom
27-year-old Christian Rozeboom was born in Sioux City Iowa. He is 6’2″ and weighs 230 lbs.
In college, Rozeboom played for the South Dakota State Jackrabbits. He majored in Animal Science. In 2016, his initial year in the Missouri Valley Football Conference (MVFC), he was named the MVFC Freshman of the Year. He made first-team All-MVFC all four years (2016-2019) he played at South Dakota State. And, he was a first-team All-American in 2019.
In 2020, the Rams signed Rozeboom as an undrafted rookie free agent. He was cut and then picked up by the Kansas City Chiefs. He played in one regular season game for the Chiefs in 2021. Then, he signed again with the Rams later in 2021. He was a member of the 2021 Super Bowl championship squad.
In the 2023 season, Rozeboom played in all of the Rams games, and he started in five of the games. In the preceding season, he also played in all of the team’s games, but did not start in any. Rozeboom became an integral part of L.A.’s defense in 2023, finishing fourth on the team with 79 total tackles.
From 2021-2023, Rozeboom played on a three-year contract that paid him an average annual salary of $823,333.
Rams Linebackers
Los Angeles currently has eight linebackers on its roster:
- OLB Nick Hampton (entering second year of 4-year $4.14 million contract)
- OLB Michael Hoecht (restricted free agent – tendered)
- LB Ernest Jones IV (entering fourth year of 4-year $4.8 million contract)
- OLB Ochaun Mathis (entering second year of 4-year $4 million contract)
- ILB Troy Reeder (unrestricted free agent)
- LB Chrtian Rozeboom (just re-signed)
- OLB Keir Thomas (signed 1-year $705,000 contract)
- OLB Byron Young (entering second year of 4-year $5.56 million contract)
As discussed above, Rozeboom is expected to compete for a starting role at the inside linebacker position in 2024.
(Note: In some instances, the distinction between outside linebacker and defensive end (edge rusher) is blurry. “Players considered to be edge rushers are usually 4–3 defensive ends or 3–4 outside linebackers…. [O]utside linebackers [in 3-4 formations] often act as an extension of the defensive line, in that they will attack the offensive tackles or blocking tight ends on the majority of their snaps under a majority of 3–4 schemes, though it is not uncommon to see them drop back and play a more traditional 4–3 linebacker role as well.”)
Rozeboom’s New Contract With the LA Rams
Rozeboom’s contract is fully guaranteed. However, the precise terms of the contract have yet to be released.
Updates will be reported here at Gridiron Heroics as they become available.
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