The Los Angeles Rams may have just passed the halfway mark of their 2024 campaign, but in reality, the offseason could be less than two months away. And that is when they and the rest of the league will have to start building their next championship roster.
The Rams needs have become narrow because of quality drafting over the last several seasons, but there are still a few glaring needs — chiefly among them is at cornerback. Since they have moved on from Jalen Ramsey they have relied on late-round draft picks and short-term veteran signings to patchwork a valiant if not patchworked secondary.
Los Angeles Rams Linked To Chargers CB
In ESPN’s recent 2025 NFL Free Agents: Early Top-25 Ranking and Predictions, Jeremy Fowler linked the Rams to cross-town pseudo-rival Los Angeles Chargers cornerback, Asante Samuel Jr.
Samuel is playing for a new Chargers regime, so there’s no telling how coach Jim Harbaugh and general manager Joe Hortiz will attack the offseason and strategize retaining key talent. But if Samuel hits free agency, there will be no shortage of teams needing a playmaker at cornerback. The Rams, Raiders, Vikings, and Buccaneers all come to mind.
— Fowler
ESPN’s Matt Bowen says this of why Samuel will get paid this offseason; “Samuel has a playmaking mentality at the cornerback position, with the foot quickness and sudden closing speed to break on the ball.”
Samuel was drafted 47th overall by the Chargers in 2021 under the previous head coach Brandon Staley and general manager Tom Telesco. Current Rams defensive coordinator, Chris Shula worked under Staley for his one season with the Rams.
The 5-10, 180-pound son of All-Pro corner of the same name, was a day one starter for the team. Since then he has racked up 148 combined tackles, three of which for loss, and defensed 37 passes, intercepting six of those passes.
A shoulder injury has limited Samuel to just four games this season. He has missed just nine games total in four seasons and missed none in 2022 and 2023.
Where The Rams Secondary Stands Heading Into 2025
The Rams currently have Darious Williams under contract until 2026. Drafted corners, Quentin Lake, Cobie Durant, and Derion Kendrick are all under contract through 2025. The Rams took a gamble on the doubly injured Tre’Davious White. That gamble failed spectacularly, as shown when they made him a healthy scratch before ultimately trading him at the deadline. The team has also been heavily reliant on undrafted rookies Charles Woods and Josh Wallace. Ahkello Witherspoon will once again hit free agency this spring.
Having seemingly solidified the defensive line, focusing on the secondary is a logical next step.
