Controversial CB could be Rams’ quick fix for major roster weakness

When does a roster addition have little risk but is hugely rewarding? One type of roster addition that qualifies is whenever a team signs a player off another team's practice squad. And for the Los Angeles Rams, that may be the best option to serve as a stopgap measure for this secondary until injured Ahkello Witherspoon returns to health.

While LA's front office acted quickly by signing free agent cornerback Tre Brown to the roster, he has yet to see any playing time. Perhaps that's normal. But if there are reasons why he is not suiting up and contributing, general manager Les Snead may need to take additional actions to shore up the roster. One such move could be to sign Baltimore Ravens' recent practice squad addition — and league-wide controversial defensive back — C.J. Gardner-Johnson.

While his natural position is safety, he's played a variety of positions, including linebacker with the New Orleans Saints in 2021. Since versatility is always in style, that alone makes him an attractive option. Now in his seventh NFL season, CJGJ was recently released by the Houston Texans. Curiously, he played against LA in Week 1, generating four tackles in a rotational role.

C.J. Gardner-Johnson can bridge Rams' secondary gap

Los Angeles's secondary isn't a complete disaster. While the San Francisco 49ers executed a solid game plan that exposed the pass defense's dependence on the pass rush, that won't be the case all season. And while there are free agency options available, the truth is the blue and yellow expect starting cornerback Ahkello Witherspoon back near the end of this season.

Nobody is claiming that CJGJ is a Pro Bowler in disguise. He was released by the Texans after three games for a reason. To be fair, the Horns are struggling just as much to find someone to stick, if not more. The 27-year-old allowed just 66.7 percent of the passes thrown his way to find their mark, and he has not allowed a touchdown in 2025.

He's a ball-hawking defensive back, picking off six passes in 2024 and 18 passes over six NFL seasons. He was a starter for the Super Bowl Champion Philadelphia Eagles last season, so he knows how to play when under pressure. So why is he suddenly so out of favor?

Stated in the simplest terms, he was untouchable. That is the term used to define a player's release by teams with prejudice. And when Texans head coach DeMeco Ryans justified CJGJ's release by saying, "I know what's best for my team," that designated the veteran defensive back as untouchable.

So why should general manager Les Snead give him a second chance? Well, for starters, that's LA's modus operandi. Fans need look no further than cornerback Emmanuel Forbes or Darious Williams to see evidence of that. Signing a veteran defensive back off another team's practice squad is simply a new spin on claiming a player off the waiver wire.

A second reason to do so is the limited role that makes adding CJGJ a success. He needn't be a full-on starter. Rather, he merely needs to provide rotational support to this secondary for about two months. Once Witherspoon returns, LA has the option to keep him or release him. Based on what constitutes success, he is perfectly suited to succeed in Horns.

But fans shouldn't disregard the most compelling reason of all. The former Eagles defensive back has plummeted from hero to zero in less than a month. That often serves as a wake-up call for players to get right with their preparation and attitude. Gardner-Johnson needs that right now.

Playing for Los Angeles is not for everyone, particularly when players are unwilling to take accountability for their performance. But for someone who has tasted the ultimate success in the NFL, the desire to taste that success once more can be incredible motivation. Everyone deserves a second chance. With a low-risk, high-reward opportunity over C.J. Gardner-Johnson, it makes sense to see if he has the right mindset to turn his career around. As always, thanks for reading.