The Los Angeles Rams suffered a major setback when veteran cornerback Ahkello Witherspoon broke his clavicle, an injury expected to sideline him for up to 12 weeks. With Witherspoon out, the Rams are left with a very thin cornerback group as Week 1 approaches.
On the active roster, the team has just five available corners: Darious Williams, Cobie Durant, Quentin Lake, Josh Wallace, and Emmanuel Forbes. The practice squad includes only A.J. Green and Cam Lampkin. That shortage has placed immediate pressure on general manager Les Snead and head coach Sean McVay to explore external options.
Here are four potential cornerbacks the Rams could look to add in the coming weeks:
1. Asante Samuel Jr.
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Among the most intriguing names on the free-agent market is Asante Samuel Jr., though his timeline is complicated. The 25-year-old underwent neck surgery in April and is waiting on a CT scan in October to determine if his spinal fusion has fully healed.
If cleared, Samuel is expected to draw interest from several teams. According to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, multiple organizations have already maintained contact throughout his rehab process. Samuel previously visited the Saints and Cardinals, and the Dolphins have been connected to him despite some off-field tension tied to his father’s comments about the franchise.
When healthy, Samuel has proven to be a reliable starter. He recorded double-digit pass deflections in each of his first three seasons with the Chargers and posted at least two interceptions every year before being limited to just four games in 2024. The wait may be long, but he would be a high-upside addition for a Rams secondary in need of stability.
2. Kendall Fuller
Another veteran option is Kendall Fuller, who was released by the Dolphins this offseason following an injury-plagued 2024 campaign. Fuller, 30, has nine years of NFL experience with Washington, Kansas City, and Miami.
While last season was one of the least productive of his career—no interceptions, six games missed due to knee and concussion issues—Fuller still offers versatility. He has experience playing both outside and in the slot and has 16 career interceptions.
Pro Football Focus ranked him 75th out of 222 eligible cornerbacks last year, suggesting he can still contribute at a rotational level. For the Rams, Fuller would bring experience and a veteran presence to complement their younger corners.
3. Emmanuel Moseley
The Rams could also consider Emmanuel Moseley, a familiar name given his years starting with the rival San Francisco 49ers. Moseley, 29, has struggled with injuries in recent years, suffering two ACL tears and a torn pectoral since 2022.
When healthy, however, Moseley has been a steady performer. From 2019 to 2021, he appeared in 39 games (28 starts), racking up 20 pass deflections and two interceptions. His physicality and familiarity with NFC West offenses could make him an appealing option if the Rams are willing to gamble on his health.
4. Stephon Gilmore
Though not directly linked to the Rams, Stephon Gilmore remains one of the most accomplished free agents still available. The five-time Pro Bowler and 2019 NFL Defensive Player of the Year has logged 31 interceptions across his career and has played for Buffalo, New England, Carolina, Indianapolis, and Dallas.
At 34 years old, Gilmore may not be a long-term solution, but his pedigree and leadership could provide immediate help in a locker room now leaning heavily on youth. If the Rams want to stabilize their cornerback group quickly, Gilmore represents the most proven option.
Honorable Mention: Troy Hill is a familiar name that seems like a Rams move in a situation like this. But Hill is currently the head coach for St. Bonaventure High School in Ventura, California.
What’s Next for the Rams?
The Rams have built their roster around youth, but Witherspoon’s injury forces them to weigh short-term needs against long-term development. With only five active corners and two practice-squad players, it would be a surprise if the front office didn’t add another veteran before the season gets much deeper.
Whether that comes in the form of a patient wait for Samuel Jr., a steady veteran like Fuller, a risk-reward play with Moseley, or a splash signing of Gilmore, the Rams have options. The question is how aggressive they will be as they try to survive the first half of the season without Witherspoon.
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