L.A. Rams linebacker Nate Landman is staring down another $11,111 fine from the NFL this week, marking his second penalty for the same amount this season. This isn’t just a minor slap on the wrist either, it’s raising some serious questions about his play and what it means for the Rams moving forward.
Another Week, Another Hit
This latest fine stems from a hit on defenseless receiver Dontayvion Wicks in the second quarter of the Rams’ Week 4 win over the Philadelphia Eagles. Landman was flagged on the play, and the Eagles ended up punting a few snaps later. What’s wild is this is the exact same fine amount he got hit with back in Week 1 for an unnecessary roughness “use of the helmet” penalty against the San Francisco 49ers. That means he’s now racked up his third significant roughness penalty in his last seven games, stretching back to the 2025 playoffs. Remember that crazy “hit stick” play on Carolina Panthers receiver Jalen Coker in the 2025 playoffs? Landman actually avoided a fine for *that* one. But it just shows a pattern here that’s getting more and more expensive. In fact, Landman wasn’t alone in Week 4, as the NFL fined a season-high 10 players for “major” fouls, including Ravens LB Trenton Simpson ($17,911 for horse collar), Browns DT Adin Huntington ($5,620 for hip-drop), and Cowboys CB Reddy Steward ($5,583 for hit on defenseless player).
Rams Making Moves, Landman Falling Short?
This repeated fining comes at an interesting time for the Rams. They just signed Eric Kendricks this week, and it feels like that move could be insurance for the linebacker position down the line. Landman himself inked a three-year, $22 million extension with L.A. in 2025, but it’s fair to say he hasn’t been as impactful since that deal went through. When you look at it, it makes a lot more sense why the Atlanta Falcons let him walk after only three seasons with his original team. Landman’s game really just boils down to tackling players, and that’s it. Sometimes those tackles are loud, powerful, and probably painful, which is definitely within the spirit of football. But sometimes they give opponents free first downs and get him fined, and that’s something he absolutely has to clean up. The Rams can’t afford these costly mistakes.
What’s next for Landman? This is a problem that needs to get fixed, and fast. The question now is how many more fines Landman’s wallet, and the Rams, can handle before these “loud and powerful” tackles become too costly in more ways than one.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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