John Johnson is 1 of 3 available FAs the Rams should sign post-draft

II - CB Asante Samuel Jr.

The Los Angeles Rams have plenty of warm bodies lining up to compete in training camp. But quantity is not a true substitute for quality. And the Rams may need to improve the quality of pass defenders before the season starts. So far, the team seems to be banking on returning players getting a boost by recovering from injuries suffered last season, or simply having players throughout training camp.

That could be enough to improve.

The thing is, former Los Angeles Chargers cornerback Asante Samuel Jr. has struggled to stay on the football field for the past two seasons. He had played in just four games in 2024, and his ability to come back ready to compete in 2025 is up in the air. It's so much of a mystery that the Chargers have not extended Samuel.

When healthy, Samuel brings a lot of expertise to an NFL secondary. He had averaged two interceptions, allowed QBs to complete 47 out of 80 targets (a 58.75 completion rate), 4.3 TDs allowed, nearly 12 pass break-ups, and 34 tackles per season in his first three seasons in the NFL. But he is suffering a lifelong shoulder injury, and that is enough to scare away many NFL GMs.

He wants to play and would love to stay in the Los Angeles, California area. I would not lobby for the Rams to get into a high-paying long-term contract, but a one or two-year deal at a modest cost could certainly go a long way for this defense.