{
  "id": 2687386,
  "title": "Wesley Bailey is making it incredibly tough for Rams to cut him",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/23/wesley-bailey-is-making-it-incredibly-tough-for-rams-to-cut-him",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-08-23T01:03:12.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Yahoo Sports",
    "slug": "yahoo-sports",
    "url": "https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/wesley-bailey-making-incredibly-tough-010312786.html"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The Los Angeles Rams have been making waves in roster construction since acquiring head coach Sean McVay, utilizing their top draft picks and supplementing with lower picks and cheap free agents. Following their Super Bowl win, the team leaned heavily into their young talent due to financial implications from their championship roster. In 2026, they've discovered an undrafted player who could prove invaluable - outside linebacker Wesley Bailey.\n\nBailey has quickly made an impact, using his natural length to overpower offensive tackles and secure dominant pass rush positions. In a preseason game against the New Orleans Saints, he contributed to a shutout with five tackles, a sack, and four quarterback hits. The Rams' coach Sean McVay praised his performance, noting Bailey's significant presence.\n\nThis emerging pass rusher has caught the attention of many in the NFL, potentially making him a target for other teams if he isn't selected for the 53-man roster. Despite being a rookie from Louisville, Bailey has been involved in various defensive rotations during camp and preseason practices, indicating the coaching staff's high expectations for him. Considering the likelihood of established players like Keir Thomas remaining on the team, even if Aaron Donald returns, Bailey's potential has been highlighted.\n\nThe Rams' depth issues are expected to be addressed by Byron Young and Desjuan Johnson, both set to become free agents. Bailey's emergence has effectively solved this problem for the long term. His inclusion in the Rams Wire piece highlights the remarkable talent he brings to the team.",
  "summary": "Wesley Bailey was a major bright spot once again on Saturday, and he might just force the Rams to keep him on the 53-man roster.",
  "key_points": [
    "Undrafted rookie Wesley Bailey makes impact with pass rush.",
    "Secures dominant positions, contributes to shutout in preseason.",
    "Potential target for other teams if not selected for 53-man roster."
  ],
  "editors_take": "Wesley Bailey's emergence as a dominant pass rusher likely secures his spot on the 53-man roster, potentially forcing the Rams to part with an established player like Keir Thomas.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}