While the Los Angeles Rams‘ primary focus this week is defeating the Minnesota Vikings in Monday night’s Wild Card playoff game, attention will soon be focused on what they can do to build their team for next season.
Bleacher Report has already begun dissecting the Rams’ biggest needs, highlighted in a recent article. In it, the author names cornerback as the team’s top need and gives a prescription to help alleviate the issues.
Could Charvarius Ward Be On The Los Angeles Rams
Top 2025 Free-Agency Target: CB Charvarius Ward, San Francisco 49ers


Cornerback has been a trouble spot in Los Angeles since last offseason, and 2024 free-agent signing Darious Williams didn’t live up to expectations this fall. To repeat as division champions and become a legitimate Super Bowl contender next fall, the team should look at improving the secondary in free agency.

While Ward is coming off a down campaign, he’s only a year removed from being a Pro Bowler and second-team All-Pro after leading the NFL with 23 passes defended. The 28-year-old who turns 29 in May also has shown good ball skills throughout his career with 70 PDs in seven seasons.
Ward has recently remarked on his desire to leave the San Francisco Bay area due to the family tragedy suffered during this season.
The Rams have much of their current secondary locked up and will get Derion Kendrick and Tre’ Tomlinson back after missing both due to season-ending injuries. Ahkello Witherspoon and John Johnson are both free agents, but neither seems to be a long-term solution in the defensive backfield.
In 2026 the Rams are faced with replacing four defensive backs, including starters Cobie Durant, Quentin Lake, and Kamren Curl.
That said the Rams do currently lack both star power and depth at cornerback and have the cheapest defense in the league for 2025. With much of the defensive line on rookie contracts, allocating resources to the backend makes all the sense in the world.
The Rams possess a moderate amount of cap space entering the offseason, ranking towards the middle of the league. However, the front office may explore opportunities to create additional cap flexibility by restructuring or releasing veteran players.
Potential candidates for such moves include Cooper Kupp, whose release after June 1st could save the team $15 million, and Tyler Higbee, whose release would free up an additional $5.5 million in cap space. Releasing veteran offensive tackle Rob Havenstein could also generate significant cap savings, approximately $8.2 million.