Linebacker Wesley Bailey, an undrafted free agent out of Louisville, put on one of the best defensive performances of the 2026 preseason so far, racking up a massive 10 pressures in the Los Angeles Rams’ game against the New Orleans Saints on Saturday, August 22. Ten pressures is a huge number for any player in a single game, let alone an UDFA trying to make a name for himself. You’d think that kind of output would guarantee a spot on the 53-man roster, right? Well, not so fast.
A Preseason Blowout That Doesn’t Guarantee Anything
Look, 10 pressures is absolutely eye-popping. Bailey was a wrecking ball out there on August 22. It was a highlight reel performance from a guy fighting for his NFL life. He reacted big after a Saints fumble, showing that passion we all love to see. But the brutal truth of the NFL is that a single breakout game, even one as dominant as Bailey’s, does not automatically translate into job security. We have seen this story before with the Rams, and it is a tough pill to swallow for players who give it their all.
History Shows This Is a Hard Road For Undrafted Guys
It is harsh, but the history of UDFA players making the cut is brutal. Think back to 2021 with Chris Garrett, another Bailey-esque story for the Rams. Garrett had his own breakout preseason that year, and the big difference? He was actually drafted by the team, unlike Bailey. Even with that draft capital, Garrett’s path was not easy. When you compare the two, Bailey might have recorded more total pressures here, but Garrett actually posted a stronger PFF pass-rush grade. That is the kind of detail that can make or break a roster spot when cuts are looming. It shows that sometimes, even when you do everything right, there are deeper metrics and team investments at play.
So, while Wesley Bailey absolutely balled out on Saturday, the clock is ticking. The biggest thing to look forward to now is the final roster cutdown, where we will see if his insane 10-pressure game was enough to overcome his undrafted status and secure a spot for the regular season. It is going to be a tough call, and fans are definitely going to be watching for how this all shakes out.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Turf Show Times.
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