Josaiah Stewart

Career StatsD+

Year	Team	GP	Tkl	Sacks	INT
Career		17	22	3.0	—
2025		17	22	3.0	0

Current Contract

Contract Value Index (CVI)

Josaiah Stewart delivered the kind of production that earns a D+ Contract Value Index relative to the LB pay band. On a rookie scale deal worth $1.6M AAV over four years, Stewart is operating at one of the steepest discounts available on the Rams' roster—but that discount reflects his status as a third-round pick still in Year 1, not a proven franchise asset. His 2025 season production of 22 tackles, 3 sacks across 17 games suggests a developmental contributor generating meaningful snaps, yet the D+ CVI grade acknowledges a meaningful gap between his current output and what the market demands of linebackers earning starter-caliber dollars. The real tension here is temporal: Stewart's mediaFraming positions him as a breakout talent with rising profile and legitimate leadership instincts, but his performance grade sits at D+, indicating on-field output that does not yet justify major contract investment. At 23 years old in his rookie season, Stewart is squarely in the learning phase where a four-year rookie deal is precisely the right financial structure—he's locked in cheaply while the organization evaluates whether his sophomore year confirms the Year 1 momentum or reveals the production as a flash in the pan. The Rams' recent defensive acquisitions (Myles Garrett via trade, Tomon Fox, and others) suggest the team is not betting its championship window on Stewart alone, which is the prudent approach for a player one season removed from the draft.

Contracts in the Same Value Band

Other same-position deals the Contract Value Index also places in the D band — a quick read on where Josaiah's contract sits relative to comparable money.

Performance Analysis

How Josaiah Stewart plays at linebacker earns him a D+ performance grade. The rookie's 2025 season produced 22 tackles, 3 sacks across 17 games — a workable foundation for a third-round pick, but production that places him squarely in the below-average tier for his position and experience level. His sack total stands as his clearest calling card, and the film evidence highlighted in recent coverage suggests he can generate pressure and disrupt plays at the point of attack. The concern is the tackle count and overall impact consistency: in a full 17-game season, 22 tackles indicates limited involvement in Los Angeles' defensive scheme, either due to snap share limitations, positioning, or simply being outpaced by more productive teammates. What salvages this profile is the context — Stewart is 23 years old in his rookie season, and the media consensus frames him as a communicator with advanced instincts who's already moved beyond typical depth-piece status. The Rams' recent addition of Myles Garrett via trade signals the organization is bulking up its pass-rush arsenal, which could squeeze Stewart's role, or conversely, create opportunities for him to specialize in coverage and run defense where his leadership abilities matter most.

How Josaiah Compares at the Position

Josaiah Stewart ranks 233rd of 338 graded linebackers by performance. That slots Josaiah between Jalon Walker (D+) just ahead and Oren Burks (D+) just behind.

Current Sentiment

The media narrative around Josaiah Stewart heading into 2026 reflects genuine optimism about a linebacker who has quickly established himself as one of the Rams' most pleasant surprises. Coming off what's been universally described as a breakout rookie season, Stewart has captured attention not just for his on-field production but for his leadership qualities and defensive instincts that seem advanced for his experience level. At just $1.6M AAV, he's being framed as one of the better value plays in Los Angeles, with beat writers consistently highlighting his ability to generate pressure and create turnovers while serving as a defensive communicator. The media consensus suggests Stewart has moved well beyond typical rookie depth player status, with national outlets taking notice of his impact on a championship-contending roster. Based on the overwhelmingly positive coverage and expectations for an expanded role in 2026, Stewart's public perception earns a solid B-, reflecting strong momentum and rising profile despite the natural skepticism that comes with evaluating players after just one productive season.