For safety Quentin Lake played most of the final year of his rookie contract, he said he wasn't worried about whether he could come to terms with Rams about extension.
If he had taken care of things on the field, everything would have worked out.
On Thursday this phenomenon came true.
Lake signed a three-year extension that will retain another pillar of the Rams' defense.
Terms of the deal were not announced, but it includes $25.7 million in guarantees, said a source familiar with the matter, who requested anonymity because the terms were not announced.
“I think the coolest thing about all of this is seeing my teammates’ reactions,” Lake said. “And when people scream and shout and come up and say, 'Well deserved,' it makes you feel good.
“I’m just very, very grateful to be a part of such a great organization.”
Lake, a. 2022 sixth-round draft pick from UCLA, has been captain the past two seasons and is a key member of a team that is 11-5 heading into Sunday's season finale against Arizona Cardinals at SoFi Stadium.
Lake has played in 10 games this season and has one interception. He was sidelined for six games with an elbow injury suffered Nov. 16 against the Seattle Seahawks, but the Rams opened a window for him to return to the lineup Thursday from injured reserve.
Lake is expected to return to practice this week and be ready for the playoffs.
“I’m ahead of schedule,” he said, adding, “I feel strong and confident.”
Lake, 26, is “a guy who does everything right,” defensive coordinator Chris Shula said.
“Anytime guys who do things right, great players, get rewarded, it’s great to see,” Shula said.
Lake became the second defenseman to receive an extension this season, joining midfielder. Nate Landmanwhich is in November signed a three-year contract including over $15 million in guarantees.
The decision to extend Lake is something of a starting point for an organization that has not typically signed off on draft renewal safety measures.
But Lake said discussions about an extension began after last season, when he played full-time defensive tackle until coaches decided to rest players for the playoff finale. He said there was open communication throughout the process.
“I just wanted to be the epitome of a man, a player, a teammate, a future husband and all that,” he said. “Just being a good person, and I think they saw that, they respected that, they respected that, and that’s one of the reasons why I’m here today.”
There was celebration in the locker room when players learned of Lake's extension, edge rusher Jared Wehrs said.
Lake's value goes beyond what he does on the field, Wehrs said.
“Outside of this place, he will text people if they are having a hard time, make sure you are having a good day,” Wehrs said, adding, “He is the first one to congratulate you, he is the first one to suffer with you.
“He's someone I truly consider more than just a teammate. He's someone I truly consider a friend.”
Landman and Lake were among the many defensive players the Rams will soon have to decide on possible contract extensions.
Lineman Kobe Turner and cornerback Byron Young will enter the final year of their rookie contracts next season. This is guard Kobe Durant's final season on his rookie contract.
Wehrs and Braden Fiske will be eligible for contract extensions after next season.
“It's good to be around the guys that you've worked with, that you've built with, that you put blood, sweat and tears on the field with because it's familiar,” Lake said. “And the more and more and more we can build that brotherly bond and communication, I think it will really elevate all of our games.”
