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Rams Insider Warns Defensive ‘Issues Are Real,’ Trade Urgently Needed
NFL: Los Angeles Rams at Philadelphia Eagles Eric Hartline-Imagn Images

The Los Angeles Rams’ secondary was already thin heading into the season. Now, following a key injury to veteran cornerback Ahkello Witherspoon, the problem has reached a breaking point.

Rams insider Nate Atkins did not mince words about the team’s situation: “The CB issues are real. Just some physical limitations to Darious Williams (speed) and Emmanuel Forbes Jr. (size). I think the Rams need a trade or to sign Stephon Gilmore because the tests will keep coming.”

Witherspoon Injury Exposes the Depth Problem


Rams Insider Warns Defensive 'Issues Are Real,' Trade Urgently Needed 1 Eric Hartline-Imagn Images

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Witherspoon broke his clavicle and is expected to miss up to 12 weeks, leaving the Rams without their most reliable perimeter corner. That injury has pushed Darious Williams, Cobie Durant, and rookie Emmanuel Forbes Jr. into larger roles, and the results have been uneven.

Durant had what was described as his worst game of the season, while Williams struggled in coverage and even resorted to selling for a pass interference call rather than competing on a route. Forbes, though promising, was beaten for the game-winning touchdown.

The reality is clear: the Rams have a collection of CB2-level players, but no clear top option. As the Eagles demonstrated in testing the perimeter last week, this weakness could define games until the roster is addressed.

Current Cornerback Situation


Rams Insider Warns Defensive 'Issues Are Real,' Trade Urgently Needed 2 Bill Streicher-Imagn Images

The Rams’ active roster currently has just five corners: Williams, Durant, Quentin Lake, Josh Wallace, and Forbes. On the practice squad, A.J. Green and Cam Lampkin represent the only reinforcements. That lack of depth has placed immediate pressure on general manager Les Snead and head coach Sean McVay to explore outside options.

Possible Additions

Several names stand out as potential solutions:

  • Asante Samuel Jr. – Recovering from neck surgery, Samuel would be a long-term swing if medically cleared. His youth and production with the Chargers make him a high-upside option, though availability is uncertain.
  • Kendall Fuller – A versatile nine-year veteran who can play inside or outside. Though coming off an injury-plagued season, he would bring stability and leadership.
  • Emmanuel Moseley – A familiar NFC West name, Moseley offers physicality and experience, but multiple major injuries raise questions.
  • Stephon Gilmore – The most accomplished free agent available, Gilmore would provide immediate credibility. At 34, he isn’t a long-term fix, but his pedigree could anchor a young unit in crisis.

What’s Next for the Rams?

The Rams have built their roster around youth and development, but the loss of Witherspoon has accelerated the need for veteran help. With tests against high-powered passing attacks still ahead, standing pat would be risky.

Whether it’s a short-term stabilizer like Gilmore, a versatile veteran in Fuller, or a gamble on Samuel’s recovery, the Rams must act quickly. As Atkins noted, the “issues are real,” and without reinforcements, Los Angeles risks letting an otherwise competitive defense get exposed week after week.

This article first appeared on LAFB Network and was syndicated with permission.

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