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On what seemed like a slow moving news day for the Los Angeles Rams, they’ve now dropped a bomb, ILB Alec Ogletree has signed a four year extension to stay with the team through 2022:
FOUR MORE YEARS!@MROGLETREE52 signs extension » https://t.co/xB7tVBX0nD pic.twitter.com/A45YtDquy8
— Los Angeles Rams (@RamsNFL) October 13, 2017
Ogletree was originally drafted by the Rams in the 2013 NFL Draft as the 30th pick in the first round. Initially starting out as an OLB in their 4-3 scheme, Ogletree was a productive player next to then-leader at MLB in James Lauriniaits. Since moving on from Laurinaitis, Ogletree transitioned to MLB in 2016 (in Gregg Williams’ 4-3 scheme), and has now made another move this offseason, moving into the ILB role in Wade Phillips’ 3-4 scheme.
For many players on the Rams defense, namely Ogletree, they’ve initially struggled to transition into the 3-4 scheme, though things may be looking up after holding the Seahawks to 16 points in week five.
The Rams signal caller on defense has racked up 330 tackles, 5.5 sacks, five INT’s, and 11 FF’s.
(UPDATED at 10:29pm ET)
Some thoughts to consider from across Twitter:
#Rams & LB Alec Ogletree agreed on a 4-yr extension worth $42M with over $30M in guarantees. Guarantees 2nd only to Kuechly at ILB
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) October 13, 2017
Rams gave LB Alec Ogletree 4-year, $42M extension that includes $33M over first 3 years, per source. Now 2nd highest paid ILB to L. Kuechly.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) October 13, 2017
Ogletree deal doesn't limit Rams on a potential Aaron Donald deal. Ogletree was on $8.35 mil deal this year.
— Benjamin Allbright (@AllbrightNFL) October 13, 2017
I just watched him miss a handful of open field tackles the past 2 weeks... https://t.co/pQhcR5yKH1
— Brian Billick (@CoachBillick) October 13, 2017
(UPDATED at 10:34pm ET)
Here’s the Rams’ official statement on the re-signing:
The Los Angeles Rams agreed to terms on a four-year contract extension with LB Alec Ogletree, the team announced today. Terms of the agreement were not disclosed.
“Alec has evolved into a true leader of our football team and we are excited to sign him to this extension,” Rams General Manager Les Snead said. “His teammates voted him as a captain in back-to-back seasons for a reason – and it’s not only because of his production, but his character and resiliency. We look forward to Alec helping our team emerge as a consistent winner for years to come.”
Through Week 5, Ogletree leads the Rams with 54 total tackles, including 30 solo stops. Additionally, the Georgia product has 2.0 sacks, and 3 PBUs on the season.
In his first four seasons with the Rams, Ogletree has three seasons in the top 10 for highest single-season tackle totals, which is the most of any Ram in history. He enjoyed his most productive season as a professional in 2016 after leading the Rams defense with 171 tackles, the fifth-highest output in franchise history.
Since 2014, no inside linebacker has recorded more “splash plays” (play where batted pass, pass defensed, forced fumble or interception occurs) than Ogletree’s total of 28.