Rams rumors true as team prepares to sign FA CB, but it's not who you think

The LA Rams have certainly had a lot to process in just two days of training camp so far. But perhaps the team has had the most to think about regarding this newly constructed secondary. The team has suffered injuries that have already ended the season for DB Darion Kendrick, and the team learned late in their second day of training camp that projected starting cornerback Darious Williams may have suffered a hamstring injury.

Two days. Two injuries. Down two defensive backs. Yikes.

It was that outbreak of injuries that led us to propose five possible free agent options, and the group of free agents covered the entire spectrum of experience, potential, and expected contract price. While two injuries can be quite alarming, the truth of the matter is that the team has only lost Derion Kendrick for the season so far.

While an injury to DB Darious Williams is quite concerning for the near term, he should be healed for the start of the 2024 NFL season. Still, this team needs reinforcements, and that fact ignited rumors of an imminent free-agent signing. Well, rumors proved to be true. The only thing is, the free agent defensive back is not anyone mentioned or expected.

So who is he?

Okay, he is former Detroit Lions cornerback Jerry Jacobs. So why him?

DB Coach Aubrey Pleasant knows Jerry Jacobs well

If you recall, Rams DB Coach Aubrey Pleasant was the DB coach for the Detroit Lions in 2021 and through the start of the 2022 NFL season. As a result, Coach Pleasant is intimately familiar with undrafted DB Jerry Jacobs, a feisty cornerback who competed in 40 games for the Lions and started 29 of thos games.

Standing 5-foot-11 and weighing 203 pounds, Jacobs knows Coach Pleasants techniques and strategies, has flourished in the NFL, and easy on the salary cap. In three seasons, he has allowed 107 completions in 181 targets, holding opposing quarterbacks to under a 60 percent completion rate. He not only has hauled in four interceptions, but he has broken up 23 passes.

An All-Pro defensive back? Unlikely. But he is a solid on-the-spot get, and he already has familiarity with the way this defense wants to deploy their secondary.

He is not Ahkello Witherspoon. But he is familiar with the Rams DB coach, he is young, and he is available at the right price.

Pending a physical, the Rams look to be on the cusp of signing Jerry Jacobs. Here we go. And I would not rule out the Rams front office pursuing at least one more cornerback. Stay tuned.

And thanks for reading.