Rams' Hampton Joins Panthers, Roster Shifts Loom

0:00On March 21st, the Los Angeles Rams are reshaping their defense in the 2026 free agency period with outside linebacker Nick Hampton. Heading to the Carolina Panthers, drafted by the Rams in 2023, Hampton never secured a steady role on the edge rush despite some early promise. Earlier this week, the Rams extended outside linebacker Keir Thomas on a one-year deal, which likely pushed Hampton out the door. Hampton joined a trio of edge rushes that year, including Byron Young, who quickly became a starter, while the others have bounced the teams like the, Patriots, Eagles, and Jets. Fans and analysts point to the Rams' past rush fading late in the 2025 season as a key weakness that hurt their playoff chances. Hampton, a standout at Appalachian State and College, couldn't translate that success to the pros, logging minimal snaps and no special teams impact. Now with the Panthers, Hampton faces the battle for a roster spot on a team open to fresh faces. Meanwhile, Rams' general manager, Les Sneed, could still add past rushers to their training camp roster.

1:06As the Rams navigate these roster shifts, Hampton gets a shot to revive his career twice a year against familiar foes like the Buccaneers.