Braden Fiske

Career StatsC+

Year	Team	GP	Sacks	Tkl	TFL
Career		34	11.5	74	9
2025		17	3.0	30	3
2024		17	8.5	44	6

Updated Jun 6, 2026

Current Contract

Contract Value Index (CVI)

The B- Contract Value Index on Braden Fiske's deal stems from how the cap hit lines up against on-field output. At $2.35M AAV on a four-year rookie scale contract, Fiske is operating in the most favorable financial territory available to the Rams—the cost structure of a second-round pick from 2024 simply cannot be beaten—but his 2025 season production of 30 tackles and 3 sacks across 17 games reflects a rotational contributor rather than a disruptive force, which creates tension between what the organization paid and what it has received so far. Interior defensive ends in his tier typically command $4M–$6M+ in free agency once proven, so Fiske's rookie deal remains exceptionally undervalued relative to the positional market; the real question is whether he's trending toward that premium tier or settling into a solid-backup lane. At 26 entering his third season, Fiske sits at the inflection point where developmental upside must begin converting into measurable production—the media narrative and recent team moves (adding Myles Garrett and defensive backs) explicitly frame 2026 as the year his output must match his draft pedigree and cap discount. The CVI grade reflects this binary: the contract itself is a steal on paper, but only if Fiske transforms from cautious-optimism prospect into a consistent pass-rush threat, a threshold the Rams organization and fan base have made clear is non-negotiable going forward.

Contracts in the Same Value Band

Other same-position deals the Contract Value Index also places in the B band — a quick read on where Braden's contract sits relative to comparable money.

Performance Analysis

Braden Fiske, a second-year defensive end for the Los Angeles Rams, remains a developing talent caught between promise and inconsistency. The 26-year-old has appeared in 34 career games but has yet to establish himself as a reliable edge rusher at the NFL level. His performance grade has slipped from C+ in 2024 to C- this season, signaling a troubling downward trajectory that demands immediate attention. Fiske's current-season film reveals a mixed toolkit. He's averaging 0.59 QB hits per game, which exceeds the NFL average of 0.43 and represents his most productive metric—suggesting he can generate interior pressure when aligned properly. However, his sack production of 0.18 per game trails the league average of 0.19, while his 0.18 tackles for loss per game falls well short of the 0.27 benchmark, highlighting a significant gap in finishing ability and run defense. This disconnect between generating contact and converting it into impact plays remains his primary developmental hurdle. Looking ahead, Fiske sits at a critical juncture in his career arc. He possesses the measurables and motor to succeed, but needs to prove he can sustain performance over a full season and translate pressure into sacks. The Rams' investment will hinge on whether this downturn reflects scheme fit issues, conditioning concerns, or fundamental limitations. Next season will be pivotal—another decline would suggest a recalibration of expectations, while improvement could unlock the potential that originally drew Los Angeles to invest in his development.

How Braden Compares at the Position

Braden Fiske ranks 47th of 147 graded defensive ends by performance. That slots Braden between Ogbo Okoronkwo (B-) just ahead and Brenton Cox Jr. (C+) just behind.

Current Sentiment

Braden Fiske enters 2026 as a depth defensive end with modest career production but emerging organizational support from the Rams coaching staff. Recent headlines reflect genuine optimism about his trajectory—particularly the narrative that defensive additions and potential Aaron Donald uncertainty could create opportunity for Fiske to expand his role. However, the recurring theme of Aaron Donald's potential return introduces significant volatility; if Donald re-signs, Fiske's snaps and prominence would likely contract, undermining the positive momentum. Media coverage skews constructive rather than critical, with quotes from Fiske himself projecting confidence in the defense's potential, suggesting the organization views him as part of the long-term plan. Overall perception remains cautiously optimistic but contingent—Fiske is positioned as a rising depth piece with upside, not yet a proven starter, and his 2026 trajectory depends heavily on roster decisions beyond his control.