The Los Angeles Rams made a perplexing roster move last week that left fans and analysts scratching their heads. On June 17, the team re-signed 24-year-old cornerback Derion Kendrick—just days after releasing him in a surprising salary cap maneuver. This quick flip raised questions about the real intent behind the decision, making it feel less like a carefully planned strategy and more like a confusing shuffle.
Kendrick, a 2022 sixth-round draft pick out of Georgia after transferring from Clemson, had steadily grown into a reliable contributor. He played in 15 games as a rookie, starting six, and in 2023, started 12 of 17 games while tallying 10 passes defended, one interception, and 49 tackles, helping the Rams reach the postseason. Unfortunately, in training camp last year, Kendrick tore his ACL and missed the entire 2024 season.
Los Angeles Rams Attempt To Clarify Derion Kendrick Decision
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According to Rams.com writer Wyatt Miller, Kendrick cleared waivers after being released and was re-signed shortly thereafter. McVay emphasized that this was “really just a kind of financial business deal based on some things that he had earned the right for his salary to fall where it was.” The coaching staff, including McVay, defensive backs coach Aubrey Pleasant, and GM Les Snead, met with Kendrick to present options and assured him they wanted him back if he still wanted to be part of the team. Kendrick agreed, and the deal was finalized.
Despite the roster gymnastics, Kendrick’s return indicates the Rams still value his upside, especially if he can regain his pre-injury form. In 32 career games, Kendrick has tallied 92 tackles, 14 pass deflections, one interception, and a safety—solid production for a young cornerback.
Yet, the Rams’ secondary remains a work in progress. They made no significant moves to bolster the position in the draft or free agency, leaving questions about their confidence in the group. Head coach Sean McVay expressed pride in the evolving defense and confidence in the current players.
“I do feel really good about where we’re at,” McVay said in May. He highlighted several players, noting, “I thought that Cobie Durant took amazing strides last year. Obviously, Ahkello Witherspoon played great… It was great to see Derion Kendrick out here, and Emmanuel Forbes made a play. There’s a handful of guys; I saw Shaun Jolly get in on a pick today. So, I do feel really good about the development of that group.”
If the coaching staff felt confident enough in Kendrick to praise his offseason progress, why the release and quick re-sign? The move seems less a calculated long-term strategy and more a confusing financial dance—perhaps related to cap maneuvering or a failed trade. For now, Kendrick re-enters a cornerback group featuring veterans Ahkello Witherspoon and Darious Williams, alongside younger players like Cobie Durant, Emmanuel Forbes Jr., and Josh Wallace.
In the end, the Kendrick release and rapid return appears more muddled than masterful, leaving fans wondering what the Rams front office is truly thinking. Whether this back-and-forth will benefit the Rams remains to be seen, but it certainly underscores the uncertain state of their secondary and roster management.
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