- Joined
- May 8, 2002
- Posts
- 418,737
- Reaction score
- 43
For the third year in a row, the Los Angeles Rams have brought back Ahkello Witherspoon. Once again, he’s returning on a one-year contract, getting another crack at contributing in Los Angeles after two strong seasons with the Rams.
It wasn’t until September that Witherspoon re-signed with L.A. last season, sitting on the free-agent market all offseason. The Rams didn’t waste any time bringing him back this offseason and doing so is the right move.
While he may not be the flashy addition to the secondary that some fans want to see, re-signing Witherspoon makes all the sense in the world. He’s had two years of experience in the Rams’ defense, both under Raheem Morris and Chris Shula. And though he took a little time getting fully up to speed last season, he eventually became the team’s best cornerback.
Against the Vikings in the playoffs, he allowed just two catches on three targets for 8 yards. He also had a sack and two tackles, forcing the fumble that led to Jared Verse’s touchdown to pad the Rams’ lead.
The following week against the Eagles, Witherspoon once again stepped up against the likes of A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith. He allowed only two catches on three targets for 12 yards, helping shut down the Eagles’ passing attack in a game the Rams came close to winning.
He had some tougher performances during the regular season but he allowed just two touchdowns all year, had one interception and six pass breakups. His coverage grade (73.0) in the playoffs was the sixth-best among all qualified cornerbacks, showing just how well he played down the stretch.
With a full offseason of work in Los Angeles, Witherspoon should be at his best in 2025. And even if he doesn’t wind up being a shutdown No. 1 cornerback on the outside, he’s a perfect depth piece to have.
Most importantly, his return frees the Rams up once again in the draft. As with the Nate Landman signing at linebacker, Witherspoon coming back lessens the team’s need to draft a cornerback. That doesn’t mean they should ignore the position, but they can afford to let the board come to them at No. 26 without feeling the urge to reach for a cornerback out of necessity.
Witherspoon raises the floor of the cornerback group, which had been playing well late in the year already. Add in a rookie draft pick on Day 1 or 2 and the Rams are in good shape in the secondary.
This article originally appeared on Rams Wire: NFL free agency: Rams were wise to re-sign Ahkello Witherspoon
Continue reading...
It wasn’t until September that Witherspoon re-signed with L.A. last season, sitting on the free-agent market all offseason. The Rams didn’t waste any time bringing him back this offseason and doing so is the right move.
While he may not be the flashy addition to the secondary that some fans want to see, re-signing Witherspoon makes all the sense in the world. He’s had two years of experience in the Rams’ defense, both under Raheem Morris and Chris Shula. And though he took a little time getting fully up to speed last season, he eventually became the team’s best cornerback.
Against the Vikings in the playoffs, he allowed just two catches on three targets for 8 yards. He also had a sack and two tackles, forcing the fumble that led to Jared Verse’s touchdown to pad the Rams’ lead.
The following week against the Eagles, Witherspoon once again stepped up against the likes of A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith. He allowed only two catches on three targets for 12 yards, helping shut down the Eagles’ passing attack in a game the Rams came close to winning.
He had some tougher performances during the regular season but he allowed just two touchdowns all year, had one interception and six pass breakups. His coverage grade (73.0) in the playoffs was the sixth-best among all qualified cornerbacks, showing just how well he played down the stretch.
With a full offseason of work in Los Angeles, Witherspoon should be at his best in 2025. And even if he doesn’t wind up being a shutdown No. 1 cornerback on the outside, he’s a perfect depth piece to have.
Most importantly, his return frees the Rams up once again in the draft. As with the Nate Landman signing at linebacker, Witherspoon coming back lessens the team’s need to draft a cornerback. That doesn’t mean they should ignore the position, but they can afford to let the board come to them at No. 26 without feeling the urge to reach for a cornerback out of necessity.
Witherspoon raises the floor of the cornerback group, which had been playing well late in the year already. Add in a rookie draft pick on Day 1 or 2 and the Rams are in good shape in the secondary.
This article originally appeared on Rams Wire: NFL free agency: Rams were wise to re-sign Ahkello Witherspoon
Continue reading...
