Ahkello Witherspoon experienced fluctuating playing time within the Los Angeles Rams’ cornerback rotation during the 2025 season, influenced by his health and the team’s matchup-driven selection strategy. Now a pending unrestricted free agent, his one-year deal is set to expire at the start of the new league year on March 11, leaving questions about his role in the Rams’ 2026 plans.
Season Impacted by Injury, Performance Metrics Show Mixed Results
Witherspoon suffered a broken scapula twice, initially injuring it in Week 2 against the Tennessee Titans and again during the season, which limited him to six games. According to Next Gen Stats, he conceded 11 receptions on 17 targets across those appearances. Despite these setbacks, his physical stature remains valuable for matching up against larger receivers, providing the Rams a key option in their defensive scheme.
His availability might not have directly influenced outcomes against notable receivers like A.J. Brown of the Eagles, Jauan Jennings of the 49ers, or Drake London of the Falcons, but his presence would have enhanced the secondary’s ability to contain such threats. Returning in Week 13, Witherspoon participated in Week 14, missed Weeks 15 and 16, then was active for the season’s final two games.
Cornerback Position Under Review as Rams Shift Coaching Direction
The Rams face a critical evaluation of their cornerback group heading into 2026, with multiple pending free agents including Roger McCreary, Cobie Durant, and Derion Kendrick. Los Angeles has already altered the coaching staff overseeing defensive backs, promoting Jimmy Lake to pass game coordinator and defensive backs coach, alongside assistant Michael Hunter. The departures of Aubrey Pleasant and Mike Harris mark a clear change in approach.
The central question remains whether Witherspoon fits the vision for the Rams’ secondary that Lake, Hunter, and defensive coordinator Chris Shula are developing. His past contributions were noted by head coach Sean McVay, who stated,
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Ahkello has done really good stuff for us,
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further acknowledging,
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He just wasn’t able to ever really get where he’s able to play long enough and stay healthy.
”
Uncertain Outlook as Rams Prepare for Offseason Decisions
As Los Angeles reconfigures their defense for the 2026 season, Witherspoon’s future remains unclear, especially given the rotation’s emphasis on health and matchup versatility. The team’s evolving coaching philosophy and the presence of other cornerbacks under consideration add further complexity to his status. The decisions in the coming months will reveal if Witherspoon continues as part of the Rams’ defensive blueprint or if the organization seeks new options to bolster their secondary.
