3rd LA Rams free agency signing will net solid veteran to lead a needy defense

The LA Rams secondary is an area that needs a lot of attention this offseason. Unlike the interest in bolstering the team's pass rush, the team is slated to lose three starting and contributing veteran defensive backs this offseason. That means that unlike a pass rush that needs additional help, the secondary is starting off the offseason in a large deficit.

Let's assume that the team is as aware of their 3-year cycle of success as we are. If that is the case, the front office recognizes that this is the year when the Rams are fated to appear in the Super Bowl. So, this roster needs to have some playmakers at every level of the team. There are plenty of stars on the offense. The defense is beginning to take shape. But as we had just pointed out, the team's secondary is not just in need of players, but the offseason process has claimed another trio of starters to leave due to expired contracts.

So why not bring back a defensive back who was instrumental at helping get the Rams a Super Bowl win after the 2021 NFL season?

While a smallish defensive back, Darious Williams casts a giant shadow over the football field. He stands 5-foot-9 and weighs 187 pounds, but he has a remarkable knack for timing his jumps to deny passes from reaching their target. He has racked up 53 tackles in each of the past two seasons, but he also added four interceptions in 2023, one being a pick-six. And he has been dominating in pass coverage, allowing just 101 of 191 completions, which works out to an astounding completing rate of only 52.9 percent.

All three Rams cornerbacks in 2023 allowed 116 of 222 passes to find their mark, coming in at a 52.3 completion rate.

With former secondary and linebacker coach Chris Shula taking over as the team's new defensive coordinator, he could simply want to install players that he knows and trusts into his defense. Darious Williams is certainly that.

Williams reunion with the LA Rams does not eliminate the team's likelihood of drafting a defensive back in the 2024 NFL Draft. It may actually increase the chances. Williams, while very effective, is not a long-term solution for the team. And he cannot be a player who is called upon to defend the NFL's top-tier tight ends. The Rams are still shopping for a match to pair up with 'DWill.' But after addressing the offense in free agency so far, it's nice to see the team take a step to help out the defense as well.