Both Ahkello Witherspoon and John Johnson III made significant contributions to the Los Angeles Rams last season after signing veteran minimum contracts, and they’ll be looking for a raise this offseason when they hit free agency in March. Before the market opens, the Rams are showing at least some level of interest in bringing back the veteran defensive backs.
Les Snead told reporters on Wednesday that the Rams have been in talks with the agents of both Witherspoon and Johnson, leaving the door open for them to return in 2024. However, Snead also said that he expects both of them to test the market and see what’s out there before potentially re-signing with the Rams.
The Rams have had talks with S John Johnson III and CB Ahkello Witherspoon about potential 2024 roles, Les Snead said, but he expects both guys to hit the open market after playing on veteran minimum deals in 2023.
— Adam Grosbard (@AdamGrosbard) February 28, 2024
Witherspoon was the Rams’ top cornerback all season, playing 94% of the snaps and suiting up for more than 11 games for the first time since the 2018 campaign. His durability concerns were a big reason he only signed a minimum contract last offseason, but after showing he can stay healthy for an entire season, he should have more interest in free agency.
Johnson became a starter midway through the Rams’ season and played well in the second half of the year, providing veteran leadership in a young secondary. He’ll get more than the veteran minimum this offseason but the Rams, who are always reluctant to pay up for safeties, are unlikely to give him a substantial contract.