The Los Angeles Rams weren’t very active or aggressive in free agency this offseason, certainly not like in years past. That’s partly because of the massive amount of dead cap they incurred from roster cuts and trades, as well as their desire to let the younger players prove themselves in a year that had all the makings of a rebuild.
One of the few players the Rams did add via free agency was Ahkello Witherspoon, a former third-round pick in 2017 who spent time with the 49ers and Steelers before joining the Rams this offseason.
Buy Rams TicketsIt wasn’t a headline-making move by any means, especially considering Witherspoon’s contract was only for the veteran minimum of $1.08 million. However, he’s proved to not only be a bargain for that price, but one of the best free-agent values of the year.
According to Pro Football Focus, Witherspoon has allowed the second-lowest passer rating in coverage among all cornerbacks this season: 33.3.
🔒🔒🔒🔒 pic.twitter.com/ByFsOSjciX
— PFF (@PFF) October 4, 2023
Somehow, PFF has only given Witherspoon a coverage grade of 59.7 this year, which ranks 49th among qualified cornerbacks, but he’s having a fantastic season. Witherspoon has only allowed six catches on 16 targets (37.5%) for a total of 100 yards, giving up just 20 yards after the catch and no touchdowns.
He’s also broken up two passes, one of which was a spectacular interception against the Bengals.
Seriously, it was a spectacular play, and one of the better picks you’ll see.
.@ahkello said I'll take that ‼️
📺 @ESPNNFL pic.twitter.com/wIxqIqJXCr
— Los Angeles Rams (@RamsNFL) September 26, 2023
Witherspoon and Derion Kendrick have been playing opposite sides on defense, with Witherspoon covering the left side of the defense. He hasn’t been traveling with No. 1 receivers but the players who have been targeted against him are DK Metcalf, Tyler Lockett, Brandon Aiyuk, Ja’Marr Chase, Tee Higgins, Tyler Boyd, Charlie Jones, Michael Pittman Jr. and Alec Pierce.
That’s a great collection of receivers, yet Witherspoon has only given up six catches. Six!
The Rams should be thrilled to have the veteran corner in their secondary, and there’s a good chance they’ll want to re-sign him in the offseason if he keeps up this level of play. He brings size, toughness and good coverage skills to the defense, which is exactly what Los Angeles needed after losing Jalen Ramsey.
Witherspoon has been a stud all year.
