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With Gilmore off the market, Ahkello Witherspoon becomes one of the top veteran cornerback options available. The 29-year-old was never a particularly reliable starter during his first six seasons, but he showed flashes of playmaking ability with the San Francisco 49ers and Pittsburgh Steelers.
Last season, Witherspoon landed with the Los Angeles Rams and quickly became a bright spot in the secondary.
Witherspoon started all 17 games for the Rams and recorded 14 passes defended and three interceptions. According to Pro Football Reference, he allowed an opposing passer rating of only 75.7 in coverage.
Los Angeles’ cornerback depth is being tested, as Derion Kendrick is out for the year with a torn ACL, and Darious Williams has been dealing with a hamstring injury. Rams coach Sean McVay has not ruled out bringing back Witherspoon as insurance.
“I would never eliminate it,” McVay said, per Cameron DaSilva of Rams Wire. “I thought he did a really good job.”
Witherspoon could aid most teams in need of cornerback help, and a return to San Francisco would also make sense—the 49ers are, after all, chasing a Super Bowl. However, L.A. is probably the cornerback’s most sensible destination at this point in August.
The Rams have a new defensive play-caller in Chris Shula, but Witherspoon is already familiar with McVay and with most of L.A.’s personnel.
Prediction: Witherspoon re-signs with Los Angeles.
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