The Los Angeles Rams defense is about to go from the league's cheapest to one of the most expensive within the next 18 months
WOODLAND HILLS, Ca. The Los Angeles Rams had high hopes for Byron Young after he had an excellent rookie campaign but massive reshuffling on the defensive side of the ball quelled the ability for a dominant sophmore effort.
After a breakout campaign, Young continues to rake in the accolades as he enters the first offseason in which the Rams and his representation are able to open talks for a contract extension."Young put together one of the most complete seasons of any edge defender in the league," stated PFF. "He was one of only three players at the position — alongside Myles Garrett and Will Anderson Jr. — to rank among the top 15 in both PFF pass-rushing grade and PFF run-defense grade . Young also led all edge defenders in run-stop rate ." Dec 14, 2025; Inglewood, California, USA; Los Angeles Rams linebacker Byron Young is seen during the fourth quarter against the Detroit Lions at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images | Kirby Lee-Imagn Images High praise considering Garrett set the NFL record for single-season sacks while winning Defensive Player of the Year in the same season, Anderson Jr was the tip of the spear for a Houston Texans defense that dominated their opposition.While Young has a breakout year of his own, leading to his first Pro Bowl selection, his impact is felt in throughout the facility. In a, Young has played a big role in Josaiah Stewart's development, passing on the lessons and the standards instilled in him by guys like Aaron Donald and Michael Hoecht.on if Stewart has learned from Young and Jared Verse. "I think he has a lot of respect for those guys. I think the game makes sense to him. He’s a very instinctual player. He’s really smart. He very rarely makes the same mistake twice and then he’s obviously got some really special ability. I think he's just continuing to learn." Feb 2, 2026; San Francisco, CA, USA; Los Angeles Rams linebackers Byron Young and Jared Verse pose during NFC practice at the NFL Flag Fieldhouse at Moscone Center South Building. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images | Kirby Lee-Imagn Images "I do think things come to him naturally because of his overall football IQ and feel and just some of the natural things that make sense to him whether it be situationally or as a rusher being able to work edges on people or understanding how to set an edge and even where he fits in some of the coverage contours. He's just a really good football player and he’s only going to get better.” I asked Young for his thoughts on Stewart's development earlier in the season. Young praised Stewart's work ethic and poise. Jan 18, 2026; Chicago, IL, USA; Los Angeles Rams linebackers Josaiah Stewart and Byron Young leave the field after an NFC Divisional Round game against the Chicago Bears Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Marton-Imagn Images | Matt Marton-Imagn Images "He takes everything seriously, and he just like a pro," stated Young. "Never seen a guy other than Verse, Verse did the same thing his rookie year, but just a guy like that, he approached everything like a pro and he didn't flinch, get in the game, he's ready to go. He's the one, just like us, getting his first sack, proud of him, and everything he does in his development. He asked questions, he ready to learn, his get off is insane, getting pressure to a quarterback and you know, that's something that we need in a room, especially Hoecht leaving, someone definitely needed to step up, so him and Nick Hampton definitely did really good yesterday."With all the accolades Young has hauled in and all the ways he improves the Rams, should the Rams extend him this offseason, considering an extension would likely be worth nine figures?Don't miss one major story related to your beloved Rams when you sign up for our 100% FREE newsletter that comes straight to your email with the latest news.Brock Vierra, a UNLV graduate, is the Los Angeles Rams Beat Writer On Sports Illustrated. He also works as a college football reporter for our On Sports Illustrated team.
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