Rams training camp injuries open door for 1 of 5 sure-fire FA signings

The LA Rams training camp has started, and in theory the Rams roster is set for the upcoming 2024 NFL season. Or, is it? You see, the thing about the team's front office is that this is not some cake in the oven concept where GM Les Snead gets the ingredients, mixes and kneads the dough, and then comes back at the end of the season to see how the team turned out.

This is an ongoing dynamic process of constructing the roster, and then a form of roster maintenance and upkeep that stays involved by releasing players, adding new players, and filling roster holes caused by the sudden and unexpected injuries that invariably occur to players practicing football, whether or not pads are on.

And the team suffered one such unexpected injury already:

Now the question is, how will the team compensate if Kendrick did indeed tear his ACL and end his season before it ever got going? Of course, the team could stand pat, and simply work with the cornerbacks remaining on the roster.

But I suspect that the team, already cutting it close at cornerback, will rev up their data analytics department to discern the best options for the roster to fill the void. While we do not have a sophisticated data analytics department per se, we are confident enough in these five options to point the team in the right direction.

(5) - DB Fabian Moreau

Our first option is one that makes sense, both in the projected price tag and the anticipated role on the team. Former Denver Broncos DB Fabian Moreau stands 6-foot-0, weighs 198 pounds, and bring oodles of experience. Now entering his eighth NFL season, he has competed in 108 NFL games, while starting 56. He took over a starting role for the Broncos in 2023, and had a solid season. Not only did he put up 46 tackles, break up seven passes, and even intercept one pass, but he only allowed 65 percent of passes targeting his receiver to find their mark.

In fact, with the exception of 2019, Moreau has never allowed more than 65.0 percent of passes thrown at his assignment to find their mark. Ball hawker? Perhaps not. But a solid option at an affordable price. He played for $1.3 million in 2023.

(4) - DB Stephon Gilmore

If the team wants to go top-shelf, then the defense may want to consider adding veteran defensive back Stephon Gilmore. Gilmore is a five-time Pro Bowler, and twice honored as All-Pro. While his best playing days are likely behind him, this 12-year veteran still has something left for his 13th NFL season. Standing 6-foot-0 and weighing 190 pounds, Gilmore will prove that players turning 34 years old still have something to prove in the NFL

He recorded 68 tackles, broke up13 passes, and picked off two interceptions in 2023. Better yet, he allowed fewer than 56 percent of the passes thrown at his assignment to be completed. While Gilmore is truly an upgrade, he is costly as well. Projections for his salary put up upwards or $9 million per year. I don't see the team spending that much at this time.

(3) - UFL DB Kameron Kelly

DB Kameron Kelly of the St. Louis Battlehawks is another out-of-the-box option for the Rams roster. Standing 6-foot-2 and weighing a burly 205 pounds, Kelly formerly played in the NFL with the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2019. While with the Steelers, he put up 21 tackles and even picked off one interception. While he has not returned to the NFL, he has stayed active in football. He was a defensive star of the UFL, picking off three passes for the St. Louis Battlehawks.

I like Kelly because he is coming fresh out of the Battlehawks season, he has NFL experience, and he is a big bodied defensive back who has no fear. Best of all, he is a ball-hawking cornerback. The team can afford Kelly, as he would likely require no more than the NFL minimum to compete for a roster spot in training camp.

(2) - (Semi) retired DB Steven Nelson

Before he retired from football, the LA Rams reportedly pursued veteran DB Steven Nelson. Now the team has reason to approach Nelson with another opportunity to compete in the NFL. Standing 5-foot-11 and weighing 194 pounds, this nine-year veteran defensive back certainly checks the boxes of what the defense is looking for. He is a ball-hawking veteran cornerback who puts up superb pass coverage and pass defense, and records enough tackles to ensure that the team is getting a full service defensive back. But would he return to play for a team he's already said no to?

I suspect that the team's potential, the youthful and energetic roster, and the opportunity to play for HC Sean McVay and DC Chris Shula could be very tempting right about now. Push a pin in this one.

(1) - Former Rams DB Ahkello Witherspoon

There is no doubt that the planets are aligning for the reunion of former Rams DB Ahkello Witherspoon and the LA Rams. While Witherspoon seemed to wilt as the season progressed, it's impossible to ignore that he was a sensational find in 2024 for an inexpensive price and as he slid in as the team's top defensive back. Standing 6-foot-2 and weighing 195 pounds, Witherspoon checks another box as a big-bodied cornerback who has the ever-valued ball-hawking skills that this defense needs in 2024.

Despite not returning to the team yet, Witherspoon allowed less than half of the passes aimed at his receiver to find their mark. Couple with with three interceptions, plus the added bonus that he knows the team, the coaches, and many of the players, and he seem like the ideal option.

The front office could act quickly. Stay tuned and we will update you as soon as new information is available.

And as always, thanks for reading

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