The Rams Are Building a Contender: PFF Names ‘Perfect’ Free Agent Addition, and It’s a Move for the Ages
The Los Angeles Rams have already been active this offseason, and the new league year has not even begun yet. They started with the most important piece of business in solving the Matthew Stafford contract situation.
Then they took care of two pending free agents and re-signed OT Alaric Jackson and WR Tutu Atwell. There is still plenty of work to be done, and there is still the whole Cooper Kupp situation that needs to be sorted.
Pro Football Focus just released an article naming one perfect free agent for every NFL team. Bradley Locker, the author of the article, has the Rams addressing the secondary with his pickup.
Los Angeles Rams A Perfect Fit For CB Jonathan Jones
The CB position is not a glaring need for the Rams, but it is a need, nonetheless. Darious Williams and Cobie Durant will be back next year, but they will need to address if they want to bring back Ahkello Witherspoon. GM Les Snead said that they will “definitely” talk to Witherspoon about a return, but it might be wise to still be aggressive at the position.
“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. Over the past two seasons, Jones’ 77.6 PFF coverage grade on Cover 3-family plays ranks 14th among qualified cornerbacks.”
Bradley Locker, PFF
Jones would be a fairly cheap option that would give the Rams depth while also giving them a spot starter. I wouldn’t see him necessarily as a full-time starter, but he has proven that he can hold his own if the injury bug strikes, as it did last season. And as Locker alluded, he would fit right in with the Cover 3 scheme that is utilized often.
Jones has spent all nine seasons of his career with the New England Patriots. He has 11 INTs, 57 passes defended, and 436 total tackles in 132 career games.
Personally, I think re-signing Witherspoon makes a bit more sense here, but if they are unable to get a deal done, then Jones would be a solid consolation.
Also, this would still allow the Rams to draft a CB and groom him to be the eventual starter long-term.
