Los Angeles Rams need to bring back cornerback Ahkello Witherspoon already

It's cornerback Ahkello Witherspoon's 29th birthday today, and the Los Angeles Rams can give him the present he deserves. 

Witherspoon was brought in by the Rams on a one-year deal last Summer, and gave them a quality season in 2023. 

That deal is now expired, and Witherspoon is still available on the open market. It makes sense for both sides to reunite once more in 2024.

Why the Rams should re-sign Witherspoon

Cornerback is still a need for the Rams. Cobie Durant is the projected starter on the boundary on the opposite side of the formation from Darious Williams. Durant, a third-year player in 2024, played mostly in the slot last season.

Witherspoon was originally added to the Rams' secondary for his experience on the outside, and size to handle the position. As ESPN's Bill Barnwell writes, bringing back Witherspoon makes the most sense for the Rams:

"While Los Angeles brought back former waiver wire success story Darious Williams this offseason, their depth chart doesn't have the sort of big cornerback they sought out when they signed Witherspoon last offseason. He could still follow former Rams coordinator Raheem Morris to Atlanta, but a reunion with the Rams (and a raise) would fit both parties." - ESPN's Bill Barnwell

Witherspoon played on a league-minimum salary in 2023, and the longer he lasts on the open market this year, the more likely he'll earn be forced to accept a similar contract for the upcoming season. But three interceptions and 17 passes defensed in 17 games last year indicate he's worth more than that as a starter anyways.

It's possible the Rams wait it out with Witherspoon and see what they can acquire in the NFL Draft first, but entering the draft with an obvious need is never a smart strategy. The Rams will have their first-round pick for the first time in nearly a decade. It'd be foolish to pigeonhole themselves into an obvious choice.

Witherspoon would not cost the Rams very much cap space at this juncture, and they have just over $20 million to spare according to Over The Cap.

It's time to bring him back for another season.