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Former Rams LB Seeks Career Reboot with Panthers
Nick Hampton, unable to crack Rams' rotation, signs with Carolina to face ex-LA OC Liam Coen twice a year
Mar. 21, 2026 at 9:33pm
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After struggling to earn consistent playing time with the Los Angeles Rams since being drafted in 2023, outside linebacker Nick Hampton has agreed to sign with the Carolina Panthers. Hampton was one of three edge rushers added by the Rams in 2023, but failed to secure a starting role like his counterpart Byron Young. Now Hampton will look to reboot his career in Carolina, where he'll face off against former Rams offensive coordinator Liam Coen, who is now the head coach of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Why it matters
The Rams' pass rush struggled to maintain its potency as the 2025 season wore on, which ultimately proved to be the team's downfall as their secondary was unable to hold up against opposing passing attacks. Hampton's inability to carve out a consistent role on the Rams' defense led to the team moving on, as GM Les Snead has shown a willingness to part ways with players who fail to produce over multiple seasons.
The details
After being drafted by the Rams in 2023, Hampton was unable to crack the rotation, failing to make a significant impact on either defense or special teams. His struggles came in contrast to fellow 2023 draft pick Byron Young, who quickly secured a starting role and never looked back. With the Rams extending Keir Thomas on a one-year deal, it sealed Hampton's fate in Los Angeles, leading him to seek a fresh start with the Panthers.
- Hampton was drafted by the Rams in 2023.
- In the 2025 season, the Rams' pass rush began to lose its potency as the year went on.
- In 2026, the Rams extended Keir Thomas on a one-year deal, solidifying Hampton's departure from the team.
- Hampton has now agreed to sign with the Carolina Panthers for the 2026 season.
The players
Nick Hampton
A former outside linebacker for the Los Angeles Rams, who struggled to earn consistent playing time and production since being drafted in 2023.
Byron Young
A fellow 2023 draft pick of the Rams, who quickly secured a starting role and became the standout of the group of edge rushers added that year.
Keir Thomas
A Rams outside linebacker who was extended on a one-year deal in 2026, sealing Hampton's fate in Los Angeles.
Liam Coen
The current head coach of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, who previously served as the offensive coordinator for the Los Angeles Rams.
Les Snead
The general manager of the Los Angeles Rams, who has shown a willingness to part ways with players who fail to produce over multiple seasons.
What’s next
Hampton will look to earn a roster spot with the Carolina Panthers, where he'll have the opportunity to face off against former Rams offensive coordinator Liam Coen, who is now the head coach of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, twice a year.
The takeaway
This move highlights the Rams' willingness to part ways with players who fail to produce over multiple seasons, as well as the challenges some players face in translating their college success to the NFL level. Hampton's fresh start with the Panthers could provide him the opportunity to reboot his career, while the Rams continue to search for the right pieces to bolster their pass rush.
