Why Rams fans should be quietly worried about Ahkello Witherspoon's future

The 11-5 Los Angeles Rams have one more game to tune up the offense and defense before the playoffs arrive. While there may not be many major overhauls due for a team cresting with 11 victories, some mysteries about this team remain.

One of the most puzzling enigmas for the team is the way this team has handled veteran cornerback Ahkello Witherspoon. You know, the cornerback with the miraculous recovery.

No, Ahkello Witherspoon has not performed at an All-Pro level this season. But that applies to every defensive back this season. But according to Lineups.com, Witherspoon sat out for two important games. In fact, Witherspoon has played just five games this season. Worse still, he has had just two starts.

Targeted 12 times, he has allowed just seven completions. But it's been a drop in the bucket, as he's only seen a cameo role in the secondary this season. He has not appeared on injury reports, so fans must conclude that he's been a healthy but benched cornerback. That's hardly what many expected when he returned to the team for a third season.

But it doesn't bode well for his future either.

Rams have too many 'okay' defensive backs in 2025

The secondary was one of the defensive strengths early in the season, and Witherspoon was a key contributor who appeared destined for solid play throughout the season. But it was the veteran cornerback whose shoulder injury began to deplete the secondary. And so far, many remain unconvinced that it will hold up to postseason competition.

The cornerback room is bursting with players. But the talent level of the group remains suspect. The team boasts Emmanuel Forbes Jr., Darious Williams, Cobie Durant, Josh Wallace, and has recently added Roger McCreary and Derion Kendrick. The trouble is that all have seen action this season.

Everyone has a hand in the secondary, but none have been dependable enough to lock in a starting role.

Los Angeles has a defensive problem, and that is a major concern. The greatest flaw of the defense is the inability to tackle, and that is something that Witherspoon struggles with. His career missed tackles over eight NFL seasons hover at 15 percent. This season, he is up to 20 percent. Despite standing 6-foot-2 and weighing 215 pounds, he is a bit of a lightweight when it comes to playing physical defense.

He is due to hit free agency next season, and he may not be back. The secondary feels like a patchwork quit, a group that has not been buoyed by significant draft investments since the 2022 NFL Draft.

There are many games yet to be played, perhaps as many as five more. But even with a solid charge in the postseason, fans are beginning to wonder what the future holds for resilient cornerback Ahkello Witherspoon. And whether that future will be in Horns after 2025.

As always, thanks for reading.