As Rams rest in their BYE week, here are 3 free agents who haven't panned out

(1) - DB Tre'Davious White

When the LA Rams signed former All-Pro defensive back Tre'Davious White, the team was wise enough to make the contract incentivized with performance clauses that escalated the value of the contract. That is the only saving grace to White's addition to the team so far in 2024. The base contract is one year worth $4.25 million. But that contract skyrockets to $8.5 million if White plays in 60 percent of the team's defensive snaps.

I'm all about paying a player what he's worth. But Tre White is not worth that escalator.

As is the case with many players appearing on this list, White's performance in 2024 has been horrendous, particularly compared to his NFL career prior to arriving to the Rams. For starters, White is averaging one touchdown allowed per game. He has already tied his season worst of touchdowns allowed in 2020, a season in which he started in 14 games.

So far, White has not intercepted a single pass. That too is the first time in his NFL career that has happened. And while he has never been exceptional at tackling, his 25 percent missed tackle rate in 2024 is one again a career worst.

Better alternative:

The Rams front office seemed to take their eye off the ball on this one. DB Ahkello Witherspoon, while having his own faults, was already familiar with the team's secondary, and he played far better in 2023 than expected. While he faded as the season wore on, he only allowed five touchdowns in 17 games last season.

But the team was also welcoming back DB Cobie Durant, a young defensive back who has only gotten better in coverage as he builds more and more experience. I understand taking a chance on a veteran who is trying to reclaim his glory days after several significant injuries. But the team failed to secure the secondary with a backup plan in case White struggled. And right now, White is struggling horribly.

Summary

You win some, you lose some. That's the nature of the NFL. But I have to admit that the team's frugal and patient approach to the 2023 NFL Free Agency market that yielded WR Demarcus Robinson, WR Tyler Johnson, DB John Johnson III, and DB Ahkello Witherspoon seems to have been far more successful than free agents signed in the 2024 NFL Free Agency market. Granted, five games in the 2024 NFL season is a small sample. And yes, any of the players mentioned here could turn their seasons around and prove to be key contributors.

The thing is, so far they are not. That is significant for the fans who are calling for the team to fire coaches. Of course, injuries play a huge part in why this team has struggled so far. But three of the team's main free agency additions have not met expectations. That's pretty significant, as all three were projected to be starters this season.

As always, thanks for reading.

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