One of Washington’s key defensive line from the past few seasons, Tuli Letuligasenoa, was informed of his release by coach Sean McVay’s Los Angeles Rams on Tuesday. He will now have the opportunity to sign with another NFL team, and will most likely be assigned to a team’s practice squad.
Despite being a productive run defender throughout the preseason, similar to his days in the purple and gold, Letuligasenoa was not able to secure his spot with the Rams.
LA Rams Roster Moves:
• Waived, No Recall OL A.J. Arcuri, OL Justin Dedich, RB Zach Evans, TE Miller Forristall, DB Tanner Ingle, DB Shaun Jolly, TE Nikola Kalinic, DB Cam Lampkin, DL Tuli Letuligasenoa, OL Mike McAllister, DL David Olajiga, WR Xavier Smith, WR Drake Stoops, DB… pic.twitter.com/PpJnfZmKsy— Los Angeles Rams (@RamsNFL) August 27, 2024
After signing as an undrafted free agent, he was facing an uphill battle to make the 53-man roster but shined in the preseason, leading all defenders in run stops with six. That’s in line with what he did at Washington, using his 6-foot-1, 292-pound frame to make stops and clog holes in the running game.
Preseason rookie IDL leaders (min. 25 snaps)
Pass rush win rate: Maason Smith (23.1%)
Pass rush productivity: Leonard Taylor (12.2)
Pressures: Taylor (7)
Sacks: Taylor (4)
Run stops: Taki Taimani/Tuli Letuligasenoa (6)
Run stop rate: Taimani (17.1%)
— Bobby Football (@Rob__Paul) August 27, 2024
Letuligasenoa’s biggest drawback throughout his college career has always been his struggles as a pass-rusher, as he finished his career at Washington with just 2 sacks. The Rams may still welcome Letuligasenoa back on the practice squad, but he will at least have the opportunity to see if other teams are interested in his services.
He was a long-time Husky and a rare sixth-year senior who made a major impact as a run defender whenever he was on the field. His presence in that aspect will be sorely missed in 2024, as Letuligasenoa was also a leader for the defense during 2023’s magical Sugar Bowl-winning season.
Letuligasenoa certainly has the mindset and determination to stick on a roster, and teams with interest in a run-stuffing defensive tackle should come calling for his services this week.