Rams Make Multiple Roster Moves, Sign Brother of Former All-Pro Cornerback

Following their second preseason game, the Los Angeles Rams made two additional signings on Monday. The Rams signed edge rusher Devean Deal and cornerback Steven Gilmore to the roster. They placed cornerback Zech McPhearson and edge rusher Keir Thomas on injured reserve in corresponding moves.

Deal was an undrafted free agent out of TCU who was signed by the Seattle Seahawks after the draft. However, he was cut on May 14 to make room on the roster for wide receivers Rashad Rochelle and Trayvon Rudolph.

Throughout his collegiate career at Tulane and TCU, Deal appeared in 58 games, making 35 starts. He recorded 182 tackles, 112 pressures, 14 sacks and five forced fumbles. During the New Mexico Bowl in 2024, Deal earned defensive MVP honors for the game.

The cameras panned to Bill Belichick after Devean Deal picked up the Gio Lopez fumble and took it for a touchdown 😂

This game is way out of hand now, it’s one of the biggest blowouts of the week.

DAMN BILL. pic.twitter.com/ECUOm1xGyS
— SM Highlights (@SMHighlights1) September 2, 2025

As the Rams head into their third preseason game, the goal will be to simply fill out the roster with players who can take snaps. It’s highly unlikely that Deal makes the roster or even the practice squad. However, Saturday’s game against the Chargers will be an opportunity to put out tape for other teams. With Keir Thomas going to injured reserve, the move could also increase Wesley Bailey’s chances of making the roster.

There was some confusion when cornerback Zech McPhearson didn’t play on Saturday. However, it’s clear he was dealing with an injury now that he’s been placed on injured reserve. With McPhearson going on injured reserve, the Rams signed Gilmore to provide depth at cornerback for the preseason finale.

Gilmore was an undrafted free agent in 2023 for the Detroit Lions and played in three games. Over the last two years, he’s spent time in the UFL with the Birmingham Stallions. In 2025, Gilmore had the 10th-highest coverage grade in the UFL, according to PFF. However, he ranked 34th out of 40 cornerbacks in 2025. Gilmore also had a blocked field goal returned for a touchdown last season. He is also the brother of the 2019 NFL Defensive Player of the Year Stephon Gilmore.

Steven Gilmore blocks the field goal. Scoops and scores by Gilmore as well!!!#ufl #stallions pic.twitter.com/J2itiZlRbF
— ClutchWire (@ClutchWireHQ) May 17, 2026

Much like Deal, it’s highly unlikely that Gilmore makes the roster or even the practice squad. Saturday’s preseason finale will be an opportunity to put out tape that he can potentially send to other teams.

In another move, the Rams waived linebacker Daniel Rickert with an injury designation. Rickert was signed right before the preseason. While the signings of Deal and Gilmore shouldn’t impact the final roster, both players will have a chance to make an impression before roster cuts. The Rams will begin preparing for the final preseason game on Saturday against the Los Angeles Chargers.

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