The Los Angeles Rams are setting their sights on a familiar face as they approach the offseason, with General Manager Les Snead signaling strong interest in bringing back veteran cornerback Ahkello Witherspoon. Speaking at a post-combine news conference on March 5, 2025, Snead confirmed that the team will “definitely” be in contact with Witherspoon, a key contributor to the Rams’ secondary in recent seasons. As the new league year looms on March 12, this potential reunion could bolster a defense that has leaned heavily on Witherspoon’s experience and playmaking ability.
Witherspoon, now 29, has become a fan favorite in Los Angeles over his two stints with the team. Initially signed to a one-year, $1.08 million contract in June 2023, he quickly proved his worth, starting all 17 games that season and leading the Rams with three interceptions and 14 pass breakups—ranking ninth in the NFL for the latter. His 6-foot-2 frame and athleticism brought much-needed size and veteran presence to a youthful secondary, earning praise from head coach Sean McVay and defensive coordinator Chris Shula for his consistency and leadership.
After going unsigned during the 2024 offseason, Witherspoon returned to the Rams on a practice squad deal in September before being promoted to the active roster in October. Despite a reduced role—starting five of 13 games in 2024—he remained impactful, recording 31 tackles, nine passes defensed, and a game-clinching interception against the Arizona Cardinals in Week 17. That pick set the stage for the Rams to secure the NFC West title, underscoring Witherspoon’s knack for delivering in clutch moments.
Snead’s comments reflect a mutual interest between the Rams and Witherspoon, as reported by posts on X.
Rams will 'definitely' talk to CB Ahkello Witherspoon about a return, per GM Les Snead https://t.co/SQexaXjpNk pic.twitter.com/bM1sInBNMC
— Rams Wire (@TheRamsWire) March 5, 2025
“Ahkello Witherspoon and the Rams have mutual interest,” one user noted, adding, “We’ll see where this goes but there’s not a better fit out there for the Rams and what he can provide.” This sentiment aligns with the team’s needs: with a secondary that has seen its share of injuries and roster turnover, Witherspoon’s familiarity with the system and proven production make him an ideal candidate to return.
The Rams’ cornerback room has been a revolving door this season, with five different players starting games and injuries testing their depth. Darious Williams and Cobie Durant have been fixtures, but Witherspoon’s late-season surge—breaking up six passes in his final three games—pushed Durant to the bench, creating what McVay called a “champagne problem” of having three starter-caliber corners. Still, with Witherspoon’s contract set to expire on March 12, 2025, and the team holding a first-round pick (No. 26 overall), Snead must weigh re-signing the veteran against other options in free agency or the draft.
QBs have a 22.0 passer rating when targeting #Rams CB Ahkello Witherspoon. This is seriously the pickup of the year by Les Snead. What a gem. Guy clearly had it just suffered a bad hamstring injury last year and ruined his season. pic.twitter.com/hIJ0jBQHod
— JAKE ELLENBOGEN (@JKBOGEN) September 27, 2023
Witherspoon’s journey with the Rams has been one of resilience. After a hamstring injury derailed his 2022 season with the Pittsburgh Steelers, he took a chance on a low-cost deal with Los Angeles in 2023, betting on himself to revive his career. The gamble paid off, and his second stint in 2024 further solidified his value. “It’s just eight years of being on the job,” Witherspoon said after his Cardinals interception, reflecting on his ability to stay consistent despite fluctuating roles. “When the time comes, the time comes.”
For the Rams, the decision to pursue Witherspoon could hinge on financial flexibility and roster priorities. The team has already locked up left tackle Alaric Jackson, re-signed Tutu Atwell, and may re-sign wide receiver Demarcus Robinson (pending legal considerations), but Snead has a history of creative cap management. Witherspoon’s market value may rise after back-to-back productive seasons, yet his familiarity with Chris Shula’s defensive scheme and his mentorship of younger players like Kamren Kinchens could tip the scales in favor of a reunion.
As the offseason unfolds, Rams fans will be watching closely. Witherspoon’s blend of size, speed (a 4.45 40-yard dash from his 2017 combine), and ball skills—he has eight career interceptions—makes him a versatile asset. Whether he’s back in horns for a third chapter or finds a new home, one thing is clear: Les Snead sees him as a piece worth pursuing. “We appreciate what he’s done,” Snead said of Witherspoon, leaving the door wide open for a return that could keep the Rams’ secondary among the NFC’s best.
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