Rams Sign Vet DB; Jalen Ramsey Replacement?

The Los Angeles Rams have signed veteran DB Ahkello Witherspoon, but he may be a non-factor on the field for his new team.

Of the 19 members of the current Los Angeles Rams secondary, nine are rookies. For any team that wants to compete in the NFL, that's not a positive thing.

To patch the bleeding, the Rams brought in veteran cornerback Ahkello Witherspoon to give veteran leadership to the young corps. But this move may not equate to visible success defensively.

"No, Witherspoon's arrival does not suddenly upgrade the LA Rams defense," Fansided wrote. "Truth be told, he may not even end up as the starter at the beginning of the 2023 NFL season, and is even less likely to be the team's starter at the end of the season."

Witherspoon was drafted by the San Francisco 49ers in 2017 but was not brought back by the organization after his rookie deal was up. He played in just 13 games for the Stealers the past two years, notching four interceptions and 14 passes defended.

While his numbers aren't gaudy and he can't be mistaken for a star, the addition of Witherspoon is a positive in the category of experience: he can be a wise sage in an otherwise green unit.

"He is a player who has seen his share of NFL offenses, knows NFL quarterbacks, and has played multiple years on teams that have had success preparing for and competing in the NFL," Fansided said. "That all has to count for something."

There's a good chance Witherspoon does not become anything more than a depth piece in Los Angeles in 2023, but his presence alone will offer an experienced perspective to guide young talent.

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