The Los Angeles Rams found an underrated contributor on defense in the 6th round of the 2022 NFL Draft, selecting defensive back Quentin Lake 211th overall. Lake is coming off a decent third season and first year as the full-time starter, seeing reps at both safety and in the slot. He recorded 111 tackles, one TFL, two sacks, and five pass deflections in 17 regular-season games, along with 14 tackles, one TFL, and one pass deflection in two postseason matchups.
He will be in contention for either the starting slot cornerback or safety job in 2025.
The Los Angeles Rams’ DB faces a pivotal year
Quentin Lake faces a pivotal year because not only is he eligible to sign a contract extension this offseason, but he also enters the final year of his contract, and he is slated to hit free agency next offseason. Due to Proven Performance Escalators, which awards second to seventh-round picks for playing a certain number of snaps, he is scheduled to earn a $3.406 million base salary, along with a $3.439 million cap hit in 2025. If things work out, Lake could secure a lucrative long-term extension or sign elsewhere for a decent amount.
Los Angeles Rams starter’s thoughts on contract year
Wm. Glasheen USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin
During Friday’s interview with The Insiders, Quentin Lake was asked about his mindset heading into a contract year. Lake shared that his mind will be on the football field and winning football games instead of chasing a bag. He also hopes to see growth and progress from Year 3 to Year 4.
“The thing for me is, and this is something that my dad always told me, your play on the field in between the white lines will take care of everything else outside,” Lake said. “So, that’s all I’m focused on right now. Obviously, we have a good team. There’s a lot of things that can happen. But I’m just making sure I make this the best year. Had a lot of progression going from Year 2 to Year 3, and that’s the same thing I want to do from Year 3 to Year 4.”
