Eric

Weddle

The NBC cameras spotted Weddle getting fitted for a harness on Sunday evening, though he remained in the game as the Rams’ defensive play-caller. The 37-year-old confirmed after the contest he was re-retiring. “I’ll go back to my daily life,” Weddle said. “Pretty banged up right now, but hey, it’s well worth it. Well worth the moment.” Weddle’s postseason re-emergence after two entire entire regular seasons on the shelf was one of the crazier storylines of a crazy playoffs. A member of the Pro Football Hall-of-Fame’s 2010s All-Decade Team, Weddle now has a Super Bowl ring to go alongside his All-Pro honors.

Weddle entered 2022 having last played a football game in December of 2019. He came out of retirement for the Rams’ playoff run in January, after the Rams lost Jordan Fuller to an ankle injury in Week 18. The 37-year-old promptly led the team in tackles in his third game back, against the 49ers. Weddle will now wear the green dot in the Super Bowl, capping what has been an incredible return for the veteran safety.

Weddle retired after the 2019 season after one season with the Rams. He had an incredibly successful career with the Chargers from 2007-15 and the Ravens from 2016-18 and remained capable in 2019, his age-35 season. Weddle, now 37, will serve to replace Jordan Fuller, who was lost for the playoffs with an ankle injury in Week 18. Fuller was Pro Football Focus’ No. 20 graded safety this season and the Rams’ defensive play-caller. Weddle will likely be a noticeable step down at this stage in his career but offers the Rams veteran stability at a critical position.

The 37-year-old was essentially an every-down player for the Rams’ Divisional and Conference Championship Round victories after easing back in in the Wild Card Round after taking two years off. “It’s amazing to be able to understand that and know that I don’t have to save myself for next season,” Weddle said. “Because listen, I don’t have anything left after this other than going back and doing what I was doing before. After this Super Bowl, I move on and go back to my old life and there will be no comebacks.” Weddle seems like the never say never type, but he’s probably telling the truth on this one. His excellent return is one of many excellent subplots for Super Bowl LVI.

The Rams also elevated LB Ernest Jones and DB Blake Countess from the practice squad. Despite being out of the league for two years, the 37-year-old Weddle played 61 snaps in his second game with the Rams last weekend, and he figures to play a major role once again as Los Angeles looks to advance to the Super Bowl.

Weddle was signed to their practice squad last week but the plan was always for him to be signed to the active roster before the Rams’ playoff opener versus the Cardinals. He was signed after Jordan Fuller went down for the year because of an ankle injury in Week 18. Weddle hasn’t played in two years but reportedly stayed in his playing form after retiring.

One of the linchpins of the Chargers’ defense from 2007-15, Weddle was either first- or second-team All-Pro every season from 2010-14. His first-team honors came in 2011 and 2014. He remained highly effective in Baltimore from 2016-18 before a quieter 2019 for the underachieving Rams. A play-maker and tackling machine at the back end of the defense, Weddle hangs up his cleats with 29 career picks, 9.5 sacks, eight forced fumbles and four defensive touchdowns. He was excellent in coverage. Now 35, Weddle missed only seven games in 13 years, only recently undergoing his first surgery for a meniscus trim.

Tafur says he hasn’t been able to confirm that Weddle will visit the team yet, but it sounds like a visit might be in the works. Aside from this news, Weddle’s market has been silent nearing the 24-hour mark into the NFL’s new league year, though the Panthers were rumored to have some interest late last week. Weddle, 31, and Reggie Nelson, 33, are free agency’s top safeties left.

La Canfora does not expect a decision “anytime soon.” Weddle turned 31 in January, but he still was an above-average safety last season. He should be able to find a starting role on a contender. The Raiders are reportedly “working on” him.

The San Francisco Chronicle reported earlier Thursday that the Raiders were “working on” the longtime Bolt. Per Acee, Weddle has “at least four irons in the fire.” Although he’s now 31, Weddle is one of the better players remaining in free agency.