Sean McVay relishes chance to play the Rams newly acquired CB In Week 9

From Los Angeles Rams general manager Les Snead's perspective, the team is ready to roll through the second half (figuratively, not literally) of the 2025 NFL season. While the team emerges from its Week 8 BYE with five wins to just two losses, Snead understands that holes in the roster must be plugged instantly to ensure success the rest of the way.

It just so happens that the secondary needed the help, as starting cornerback Darious Williams is expected to sit out Week 9 with a shoulder injury. Despite Williams' injury, Snead and head coach Sean McVay were comfortable enough to part ways with cornerback Tre Brown. That sets the stage for Week 9 and the New Orleans Saints for veteran cornerback Roger McCreary.

Coach McVay expects McCreary to contribute.

That may sound optimistic from a coach who is very reluctant to give opportunities to offensive rookies, but the team needs instant contribution from McCreary. While the team will start Cobie Durant and Emmanuel Forbes Jr. to face the Saints, the team will need McCreary to slide into the rotation.

That is only possible if the team views the new acquisition as versatile enough to play both inside and outside in pass coverage. That is exactly how the team sees McCreary's potential.

Fans can expect to see Roger McCreary in action in Week 9

It's not as much a courtesy to McCreary to give him a chance to contribute right after his arrival as it is a necessity. The defense was scorched earlier this season by San Francisco 49ers backup quarterback Mac Jones, so there is little chance that the team will take Saints rookie quarterback Tyler Shough lightly.

Snead saw a hole in the roster and filled it at a bargain price. If the question in fans' minds circled how quickly McCreary might see action, McVay's rhetoric and the team's depth at corner suggest sooner rather than later.

So why did the 1-7 Tennessee Titans trade away a young and promising defensive back? Well, that is based on the fact that the Titans' front office recognizes that the 2025 NFL season is essentially over.

From the Titans' perspective, the team is abandoning a promising young corner for a full reboot. Now the team can build around rookie quarterback Cam Ward, and the upgrade to a 2026 NFL Draft Day 3 pick from Round 6 to Round 5 was worth it.

LA's pass rush amplifies the pass defense, as the team proved in last year's NFL playoffs. If the pass rush is as hot and heavy as it was in Week 7 against the Jacksonville Jaguars, Roger McCreary should be more than enough to frustrate Saints rookie QB Tyler Shough.

It's also safe to expect McCreary to be limited in his first appearance in Horns to specific down and distance scenarios.

Snead may not be done dealing just yet. But even if the flurry of trade activity has ceased, fans have more reasons than ever to look forward to the remainder of this season. And the defense will get even better with the return of cornerback Ahkello Witherspoon later this season.

As always, thanks for reading.