PFF picks 'perfect' free agent target for Rams
PFF picks 'perfect' free agent target for Rams
It's hard to see the Los Angeles Rams not come out of the offseason without adding a cornerback.
Ahkello Witherspoon is an impending free agent who the Rams will "definitely" talk to about a return and there are a lot of uncertainties around the rest of the group of Darious Williams, Cobie Durant and Emmanuel Forbes Jr. Los Angeles has a No. 26 pick in the first-round — a ripe location for a rookie cornerback — or could target a few external free agents to shore up the secondary.
One player that Pro Football Focus' Bradley Locker believes would be a "perfect" match for the Rams is New England Patriots cornerback Jonathan Jones. The 31-year-old has played all nine of his seasons with the Patriots but is coming off back-to-back years without an interception. Regardless, Locker writes that the Rams could use Jones as a key secondary depth piece in 2025 at a relatively low price because of his experience in Cover 3.
In defensive coordinator Chris Shula's first year calling defensive plays, Los Angeles utilized Cover 3 on 30.6% of coverage snaps, exactly double that of the second-highest concept," Locker wrote. "Over the past two seasons, Jones' 77.6 PFF coverage grade on Cover 3-family plays ranks 14th among qualified cornerbacks.
"While Jones' 2024 metrics took a hit, he still turned out a 73.5 PFF coverage grade or better in seven games, revealing that there's still potential for him to play at the lofty level he did in 2023. Inking the former Patriot could give the Rams depth and a quick starter as they pursue additional, younger options in the draft."
Jones has 11 interceptions, 57 defended passes and 436 combined tackles in 132 career games. He would be an experienced veteran presence in an otherwise young secondary if the Rams don't retain Witherspoon and/or draft a rookie in April.
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