7 dream extensions that will happen with latest Rams salary cap figures

II: A defensive back who earned an extension

While defensive back Ahkello Witherspoon may not have played at the level of All-Pro in 2023, he was one of the most effective performers on the team's secondary. Best of all, he was signed to the team late in the process, agreed to play for the league minimum, and was arguably one of the best, if not the best, defensive backs on the team.

He started all 17 games for the team, ending the year with 52 tackles, three tackles for a loss, three interceptions, two fumble recoveries, and 14 pass deflections. In terms of pure pass defense, he allowed just 51 of 106 passes thrown to his receiver to find their marks. That is a completion rate of just 48.3 percent

This 6-foot-2 195-pound cornerback had enjoyed six NFL seasons before joining the team in 2023. His last team, the Pittsburgh Steelers, released Witherspoon after he struggled in their 2023 training camp. He had suffered a season-ending ACL injury in 2022, and his ability to compete was still hampered nearly a year later.

Fortunately, he signed with the Rams and no longer suffered lingering effects from his previous injury.

While he was solid in pass coverage, he was not perfect. He missed nearly 15 percent of his tackles in 2023, which was far higher than his previous season. And Witherspoon could be beaten deep, reflected in allowing five touchdowns to be scored last season.

I think that Witherspoon could play a huge role for the team, but at the right price. Because he struggle at tackling and defending the deep ball, I expect that his market value may not rise to the level of some defensive backs. But his value to this secondary is more, if only for continuity's sake.

Likely extension terms: Two years $13.5 million