Signed long-term, Quentin Lake says he has 'so much more' to show

When Chris Shula was named Los Angeles Rams defensive coordinator in 2024, there was no player more critical in Shula's eventual turnaround and subsequent success than Quentin Lake. A versatile defender who plays every snap, Lake proved his value and then some in Shula's system, operating as a lethal threat from the slot corner position. He also acted as a commander on the field, even being Shula's signal caller at one point.

Lake does everything the right way. His skills are unquestionable; his ability to act as a coach on the field gives the Rams a strategic advantage, and the influence and respect Lake commands have driven Shula's unit to new heights and heightened expectations entering this season.

As a result, Lake was given a well-earned extension in the middle of the 2025 season, as he was set to hit free agency after the year concluded. Doing away with their former policy of letting defensive backs walk, Lake's play completely re-wrote the franchise's mindset on positional value, with the Rams subsequently investing over $200 million into their secondary.

That gamble is about to pay off as Lake went on the record Monday, stating that he's in a perfect place mentally to capitalize on the potential that 2026 has to offer.

“It means more to me because last year during the season I felt like I was playing well, but at the same time, going into this offseason, I feel like there's so much more I can really show," Lake said. "My body feels great. Mentally I'm in a good space. I've been telling myself I'm at peace. When you're at peace, nothing can beat that. For me, there are a couple things that I want to accomplish personally, too.

"Obviously, as a team we know what the goal is. My dad told me this, he said, ‘Set your dreams high. Dream bigger.’ I have those things written down, but there's so much more left on the table that I want to accomplish. I feel like going into this offseason, I started with a good foundation. We just talked about it in the team meeting, it's all about foundation and fundamentals. If you can lock those down, shoot for the stars. I feel good about where I'm headed this offseason.”

With all eyes focused on self-improvement, all the time Lake would have invested in potential contract negotiations was poured into increasing his performance. People grow where they feel grounded, and the Southern California native has been at home for some time. Now equipped with more talent around him, the franchise pillar is finding a new form before what could be a defining campaign.