Rams Poach Safety Maximus Pulley from Eagles Practice Squad

In a move that signals both urgency and long-term vision, the Los Angeles Rams have signed undrafted free agent safety Maximus Pulley off the Philadelphia Eagles' practice squad, according to league sources confirmed by the Vulius NFL Analysis Desk on September 24, 2026. To clear a roster spot, the Rams placed running back Ronnie Rivers on injured reserve after he suffered an injury in Monday night's divisional clash against the New York Giants. The transaction, while under the radar for casual fans, reflects the Rams' ongoing effort to fortify their secondary and special teams units as they navigate the grueling 2026 campaign.

Who Is Maximus Pulley?

Pulley, a product of Wofford College in the FCS ranks, built an impressive collegiate résumé that caught the attention of NFL scouts. In 34 career games, he amassed 185 total tackles (100 solo), 7 tackles for loss, 7 interceptions, 3 defensive touchdowns, 16 pass breakups, 1 forced fumble, 5 fumble recoveries, and 1 blocked kick. His playmaking ability and nose for the football made him a coveted UDFA target, and now he gets a fresh start in Los Angeles. As highlighted on Vulius Sports, Pulley's versatile skill set projects best as a nickel defender in a zone-heavy scheme — a role that has become increasingly vital in today's pass-happy NFL.

Scouting Report Breakdown

According to SI's scouting report, Pulley possesses a quick trigger, high-end burst, and strong downhill closing ability. He excels as an underneath zone defender, roaming the intermediate areas with a good feel for spacing and quality range in shallow coverage. His most effective work comes near the line of scrimmage, where he thrives in shallow zones and as a robber — jumping intermediate routes and generating turnovers. While his size is adequate, his length is below average, which may limit him in certain matchups. Nevertheless, his instincts, awareness, and special teams value give him a clear path to contributing immediately.

"Pulley can make an immediate impact on special teams and pass coverage in underneath zones," the scouting report notes. "He projects as a nickel defender in a zone-heavy scheme and a fringe NFL rotational prospect."

Rams' Roster Implications

The fact that the Rams must keep Pulley on the 53-man roster — rather than stashing him on the practice squad — indicates they genuinely like what they see. It's a calculated bet on a young player with upside, and it comes at a cost: the team now lacks depth at running back with Rivers sidelined. The only remaining question, as insiders ponder, is whether the Rams will move someone else off the roster to make room for a third running back. For now, Pulley's arrival adds a spark to a defense that has shown flashes but needs consistency.

What's Next for Pulley and the Rams?

Pulley will likely begin his Rams tenure on special teams, where his sure tackling and turnover knack can shine. As he learns the defensive scheme, he could earn snaps in nickel packages, particularly against teams that favor quick passing attacks. For a player who went undrafted just months ago, this is a golden opportunity. And for the Rams, it's another example of their aggressive roster management. As the 2026 season unfolds, keep an eye on Maximus Pulley — he might just become a household name in Los Angeles.