The Los Angeles Rams are in need of a physical cornerback on the outside. After losing Ahkello Witherspoon for three months due to injury, the Rams are lacking a bigger presence on the outside. While Emmanuel Forbes has length, his frame can still be taken advantage of on the perimeter. The same can be said about Darious Williams and Cobie Durant.
The turning point of the Rams losing to the Philadelphia Eagles was Jalen Hurts attacking the perimeter with AJ Brown. Brown is a top-10 wide receiver for
a reason. However, the Rams defensive backs consistently got taken advantage of on the outside. It happened in Week 2 against the Tennessee Titans as well. Witherspoon may not be a true CB1, but not having him available takes away the size element that the Rams lack otherwise. Forbes has been fine, but he’s not ready to be the top cornerback on a defense. Durant is solid, but his lack of size makes him a liability on the perimeter as well.
It showed up in the red zone as well. Darious Williams doesn’t have the size advantage over AJ Brown. This is good coverage by Williams, but he sells out for the penalty, likely knowing that Brown has the advantage. The result is Williams flopping harder than LeBron James in the paint, but not getting the same treatment with a penalty.
At the end of the day, there’s a reason that Williams was the CB4 coming into the season. He got surpassed by Durant and lacks the size and physicality that Witherspoon brings. He may be fine to fill in for a few games, but it’s hard to see the Rams surviving over three months.
In the midst of a Super Bowl season, it’s worth wondering whether or not the Rams would make a trade. They may not get a Jalen Ramsey-level cornerback, but could they acquire a player that can help them get by over the next three months or even longer?
Cam Taylor-Britt, Bengals
Taylor-Britt is in a contract year and the Cincinnati Bengals are not in the business of paying their own players. The Bengals sit at 2-1, but just got blown out by the Minnesota Vikings with games against the Denver Broncos, Detroit Lions, and Green Bay Packers on deck. There is a good chance that the Bengals sit at 2-4 near the trade deadline with Joe Burrow set to be out until at least December. In a throw-away season, the Bengals may be open to trading a player like Taylor-Britt for a mid-round draft pick.
In Taylor-Britt, the Rams wouldn’t be acquiring a top cornerback, but one that fits a role and what they need. He hasn’t been a fit in Al Golden’s defense and missed Week 3 with an injury. From Weeks 13-18 last season, Taylor-Britt allowed a 53.9 passer rating which was the third best in the NFL. It’s also worth noting that he is a player who made my Snead’s Snacks list in 2022 as a Rams fit. He’s someone to at least keep an eye on.
Greg Newsome II, Browns
As it stands, the Cleveland Browns have two first round picks in the 2026 NFL Draft and may look to stock up on draft picks to add more young talent. More draft picks could also ensure that they are able to get their quarterback. It seems unlikely that the Browns would let Newsome walk, but he is in the final year of his rookie contract. This is the one top-level cornerback that the Rams may be able to acquire. Denzel Ward is another potential option on the Browns that may be more realistic.
Newsome has been inconsistent at points throughout his career. There’s a chance that the Browns are 1-5 after six weeks and look to sell. Newsome hasn’t been as good as he was during his first three seasons, and is someone that is used to playing behind a good pass rush. This is a name at least worth exploring for the Rams.
Stephon Gilmore, FA
At 35 years old, Stephon Gilmore is more of a name than anything else. His level of play has dropped off over the last two years, allowing five touchdowns in both 2024 and 2025. With that said, as a temporary solution, could it work? The Rams would only need Gilmore until Witherspoon got back and provides a veteran presence in a younger cornerback room. That’s also part of what the Rams are missing with Witherspoon.
However, a good pass rush may benefit him and he remains active on the ball. His 9.8 yards per reception last year and nine pass breakups ranked inside the top-15 among cornerbacks. Still, his skillset has allowed him to age well and he doesn’t have a history of injuries. Per Nate Atkins at The Athletic, Gilmore allowed just 6.3 yards per target with the Minnesota Vikings last season, per Sports Info Solutions, which is his lowest full-season number since 2018.
Alontae Taylor, Saints
Alontae Taylor is another player in the final year of his rookie contract and is a former second round pick. He’s struggled tackling with a 46.7 percent missed tackle rate this year and 20.8 percent missed tackle rate in 2024. Last season he also allowed a passer rate of 117.9. Taylor had a strong rookie season, but had struggled since.
If there is a positive with Taylor, it is that he does bring good size and length on the outside. He also provides inside-out versatility which the Rams value. There aren’t a lot of options available, but Taylor may be an under the radar option to watch.
