The Los Angeles Rams have done a great job at addressing their needs during free agency. Although they released Cooper Kupp, they were able to find a high-caliber replacement in Davante Adams before convincing Matthew Stafford to return to Los Angeles.
The rest of the Rams’ signings were all about depth. They extended offensive tackle Alaric Jackson and receiver Tutu Atwell and poached the Los Angeles Chargers by adding nose tackle Poona Ford. While the latter put a huge dent in their crosstown rivals’ defensive line, the Rams could have an opportunity to do it again and end March on a high note.
Rams Should Bolster Corner Depth by Signing Asante Samuel Jr.
The Rams addressed the cornerback room by re-signing Ahkello Witherspoon but they could use another player to bring it together. Darious Williams and Cobie Durant are expected to battle for the second cornerback spot. But they could use a high-upside buy-low candidate such as Asante Samuel Jr.
Samuel has spent the last four seasons as a starter for the Chargers but was limited to four games due to a shoulder injury last season. While the injury is a concern, Samuel came back for the playoff run and has been a solid cover corner when he’s been on the field.
The 25-year-old posted back-to-back strong seasons before last year’s injury-marred campaign, posting a Pro Football Focus grade over 70 in 2022 and 2023. Samuel’s specialty is in coverage posting a grade of 76.1 in 2022 and 75.6 in 2023.
There are some flaws with Samuel’s game including 11 touchdowns allowed during his 2022 and 2023 seasons. That number includes seven touchdowns allowed in 2022, which tied him behind Atlanta Falcons cornerback A.J. Terrell for the second most in football.
But the risk may be worth the reward. The Rams will make a rare first-round selection with the 26th overall pick in the draft but the 90th overall selection is the only pick they have in the first 100 selections of next year’s draft. Los Angeles’s five picks on Day 3 can help them move up to acquire a higher selection in the first three rounds but it may be asking too much for a player to step in and provide meaningful depth at cornerback.
With a projected market value of $11.5 million, it may be a tight squeeze for the Rams to get him on the roster. But Los Angeles could use the depth and give them another line of defense heading into next season.