The Los Angeles Rams made a familiar move in their offseason strategy, re-signing veteran cornerback Ahkello Witherspoon to a one-year contract. This marks the third consecutive year that the Rams have brought Witherspoon back on a short-term deal, solidifying his role as a key piece in their secondary. The agreement, reported by FOX Sports’ Jordan Schultz and further detailed by Jake Ellenbogen, is said to be worth up to $3.2 million with incentives, reflecting the team’s confidence in Witherspoon’s ability to contribute while maintaining flexibility in their roster construction.
A Consistent Presence in the Rams’ Secondary
Ahkello Witherspoon, who turns 30 on March 21, 2025, has become a reliable figure for the Rams since joining the team in 2023. Originally a third-round pick by the San Francisco 49ers in the 2017 NFL Draft, Witherspoon has carved out a journeyman career, with stints at the Pittsburgh Steelers and Seattle Seahawks before landing in Los Angeles. His tenure with the Rams has been marked by steady improvement and an ability to step up when called upon, making him a valuable asset in a secondary that has undergone significant turnover in recent years.
In his first season with the Rams in 2023, Witherspoon emerged as a standout performer on a defense that was in the midst of a “remodel” following the departure of stars like Jalen Ramsey. Starting all 17 games, he recorded 52 tackles, three interceptions, 14 pass defenses, and two fumble recoveries, showcasing his playmaking ability and earning praise as one of the best value signings of the year. His 2024 campaign saw a slight dip in playing time—appearing in 13 games with five starts—but he still contributed 31 tackles, one interception, and nine pass defenses, proving his worth as a rotational piece and spot starter.
By the end of the 2024 season, Witherspoon had solidified his status as the Rams’ top cornerback, playing 98% of the defensive snaps in their playoff loss to the Philadelphia Eagles. His experience and familiarity with the Rams’ defensive scheme under coordinator Chris Shula have made him a stabilizing force in a unit that blends youth and veteran presence.
The Rams are bringing back Ahkello Witherspoon for another season, signing him to a 1-year contract
— Cameron DaSilva (@camdasilva) March 19, 2025
It'll be his 3rd year in LA https://t.co/ioJ3ONiJay
Why Another One-Year Deal?
The decision to bring Witherspoon back on yet another one-year contract reflects the Rams’ pragmatic approach to roster management. General Manager Les Snead has long favored short-term deals for veteran players, allowing the team to maintain cap flexibility while addressing immediate needs. Witherspoon’s latest contract, with a base value potentially enhanced by performance incentives, fits this mold perfectly. It provides the Rams with a proven contributor at a reasonable cost—his 2024 deal was valued at $1.125 million—while leaving room to pursue younger talent through the draft or additional free-agent signings.
This move also comes at a time when the Rams’ cornerback position remains a work in progress. While the team signed Tre’Davious White in 2024 to bolster the group, White’s injury history (a torn Achilles in 2023 and a torn ACL in 2021) introduces an element of risk. Other cornerbacks under contract, such as Darious Williams, Cobie Durant, and Emmanuel Forbes Jr., bring varying levels of experience, but none have consistently locked down the top role. Witherspoon’s return ensures continuity and depth, offering a safety net if White struggles to regain his pre-injury form or if younger players need more time to develop.
Posts on X from analysts like Jake Ellenbogen and Bret Grisak highlight the sentiment around this signing. Ellenbogen noted the deal’s value at “up to $3.2M with incentives,” underscoring Witherspoon’s role as a starting-caliber player. Grisak, however, expressed a tempered view, calling it “another band-aid” and urging the Rams to address the position more definitively in the draft. This duality reflects the broader narrative: Witherspoon is a solid stopgap, but the Rams may still need a long-term solution at cornerback.
Witherspoon’s Journey and Fit with the Rams
Witherspoon’s path to this point has been one of resilience. After a promising start with the 49ers, where he tallied 117 tackles and four interceptions over four seasons, he bounced between the Seahawks and Steelers, searching for stability. His arrival in Los Angeles in 2023 marked a turning point. Signed to a modest one-year, $1.08 million deal, he seized the opportunity to prove himself, delivering a career-best season that rivaled some of Jalen Ramsey’s standout years with the Rams.
At 6-foot-2 and 208 pounds, Witherspoon brings a physical presence to the cornerback position, excelling in man coverage and using his length to disrupt passing lanes. His 2023 stats—allowing a reception on just 48.2% of targets and ranking among the league leaders in pass breakups—demonstrated his effectiveness. Even in a reduced role in 2024, he remained a dependable option, with key moments like his interception against the Arizona Cardinals in Week 12 and his fumble recovery against the Green Bay Packers.
Off the field, Witherspoon has embraced a leadership role within the Rams’ young secondary. In interviews, he’s spoken about mentoring players like Cobie Durant and Derion Kendrick, drawing on his eight years of NFL experience. His versatility—capable of playing both outside and in the slot—further enhances his value to a defense that values adaptability.
Looking Ahead: What This Means for 2025
For the Rams, re-signing Witherspoon is a low-risk, high-reward move as they prepare for the 2025 season. With approximately $70 million in projected cap space entering the offseason, per earlier reports, the team has the resources to make bigger splashes if desired. However, Snead’s comments at the 2025 NFL Combine—indicating the Rams would “definitely” talk to Witherspoon about a return—suggest a deliberate choice to prioritize familiarity over a complete overhaul.
The secondary remains a focal point for improvement. While Witherspoon provides a steady hand, the Rams could still target a high-upside cornerback in the 2025 NFL Draft, potentially pairing a rookie with veterans like Witherspoon and White. Names like Notre Dame’s Benjamin Morrison, projected as a first-round pick, have surfaced in mock drafts as possible fits. Such a strategy would align with the Rams’ history of blending draft picks (e.g., Kobie Turner, Byron Young) with cost-effective free agents.
On the field, Witherspoon’s return bolsters a defense that showed promise in 2024, ranking 10th in DVOA against passes to the right side, per ESPN’s Aaron Schatz. His presence allows defensive coordinator Chris Shula to maintain flexibility in his schemes, whether deploying Witherspoon as a starter or a high-end backup. For a team with playoff aspirations, this depth could prove crucial, especially in a competitive NFC West.
Wrapping It Up
The Los Angeles Rams’ decision to bring back Ahkello Witherspoon for a third straight year on a one-year contract is a testament to his value as a player and a strategic fit within the organization. At 30 years old, he offers experience, reliability, and a proven track record in the Rams’ system—all at a price that preserves the team’s financial flexibility. While it may not be the splashy move some fans hoped for, it’s a pragmatic step that keeps the defense competitive in 2025.
As the offseason unfolds, all eyes will be on how the Rams complement this signing. Will they invest in a young cornerback to groom as a future star, or lean on Witherspoon and White to anchor the position for another year? For now, Witherspoon’s return ensures that the Rams’ secondary has a familiar face ready to step up—whether as a starter, a mentor, or both. In a league where depth and adaptability are king, that’s a win worth celebrating.
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