Rams sign safety, team captain Quentin Lake to 3-year extension, expect him back for playoffs
- - Rams sign safety, team captain Quentin Lake to 3-year extension, expect him back for playoffs
Andy BackstromJanuary 1, 2026 at 10:10 PM
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The Los Angeles Rams announced they signed safety Quentin Lake to a contract extension Thursday. That's also when they opened his 21-day practice window.
Lake, a 2022 sixth-round pick, was in the final year of his rookie deal and was set to hit free agency in March. His extension is worth up to $42 million, with $25.7 million guaranteed, according to ESPN's Jeremy Fowler.
Lake, a team captain who translated an impressive 2024 campaign to early success during the 2025 season, has been on injured reserve since Week 12.
He dislocated his left elbow in a Week 11 win over the Seattle Seahawks. The injury required surgery, but Lake has been working his way back to the field. While he's not expected to play in Sunday's regular-season finale against the Arizona Cardinals, the Rams are counting on his presence in the secondary come postseason.
It sounds like Lake's on the same page.
"I'm so thankful to be a part of such an amazing organization," Lake said in a quick Rams social media video addressing fans Thursday. "Can't wait to see you guys in the playoffs and for many years to come."
Lake played his high school ball at Mater Dei in nearby Santa Ana, California. The UCLA product will be sticking around L.A. for a while longer.
While he started his Rams career earning his horns on special teams, he's developed into a standout safety. Last season, he piled up 111 total tackles, the second most of any player on the team.
This time around, he's made even more plays, including those of the game-changing variety. Through Week 11, he had accounted for not only 61 total tackles — including 37 solos — but also one sack, one forced fumble, one interception and 10 passes defended.
The Rams deploy Lake at all safety positions in a diverse defensive picture that's often changing under coordinator Chris Shula.
Of the 634 defensive snaps Lake has played this season, according to Pro Football Focus, 424 have come in the slot, 89 occurred in the box and 84 were from a deep safety position. Additionally, he's lined up 32 times on the defensive line and five times at the outside corner spot.
He's a defensive chess piece, and the Rams have missed him during his absence. In the first 10 games of the season, when Lake was on the field, L.A. gave up only 17.2 points per game. But in the six games since, the 11-5 Rams have allowed 25.7 points per game and gone just 3-3.
Earlier this season, L.A. extended middle linebacker Nate Landman, who made an immediate impact after signing on a veteran minimum deal of $1.1. million in free agency.
Another captain, Landman has been a stabilizing force in the second level of Shula's defense.
The Rams rewarded him for his efforts, and they've now taken care of Lake, too.
Source: “AOL Sports”
