Rams Claim Linebacker Sterling Weatherford Off Waivers From Bears

The Los Angeles Rams will be an interesting team to watch during training camp as there are numerous spots on the roster up for grabs.

The Rams selected 14 players in the recent 2023 NFL Draft and also came to terms with 26 undrafted free agents. By bringing in that much raw and inexperienced talent, Los Angeles is signaling that everything is on the table and that players who stick out during the summer will have a shot at making the final 53-man roster.

There is little depth at most of the position groups, but linebacker sticks out on the defense as the team only has Ernest Jones penciled in as a regular. The Rams also have Christian Rozeboom and Jake Hummel behind Jones, but the two have only really been used on special teams.

In order to address the linebacker spot, Los Angeles went out and claimed Sterling Weatherford off waivers from the Chicago Bears, via Tom Pelissero of NFL Network:

The #Rams claimed LB Sterling Weatherford off waivers from the #Bears, per the wire.

— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) July 26, 2023

Weatherford went undrafted in 2022 and signed on with the Indianapolis Colts, where he had a strong preseason showing. Weatherford was eventually one of the last players cut from the Colts, but landed with the Bears. During his time in Chicago, Weatherford recorded 224 total snaps on special teams and recorded four tackles.

Special teams has long been a weak spot on the Rams, though they took steps to rectify that by bringing in Chase Blackburn to be their new special teams coordinator. Blackburn has extensive experience with the special teams unit and should Weatherford stick that is where he’ll likely contribute for the team.

More competition at linebacker also doesn’t hurt, so perhaps there’s a shot that Weatherford actually gets snaps on defense behind Jones. At this juncture, anything is possible so Weatherford certainly has a chance to make an impression on the coaching staff in training camp.

Sean McVay says Matthew Stafford has a look in his eye to begin training camp

While numerous players will be battling for a coveted roster spot, the Rams will be able to rest easier knowing their starting quarterback will be in the fold. By all accounts, Matthew Stafford is healthy and ready to roll for the 2023 season and that should help L.A. get back on track.

As training camp begins, Sean McVay noted that there seems to be a certain look in Stafford’s eye which bodes well for him and the rest of the offense.