The Los Angeles Rams made a series of roster moves this week as the team continues to reshape its depth ahead of minicamp in Hawaii. On Friday, the team waived cornerback Derion Kendrick and finalized the signing of veteran offensive tackle D.J. Humphries—a pair of moves that reflect ongoing concerns and shifting needs on both sides of the ball.
Los Angeles Rams Waive Cornerback
Kendrick, a sixth-round pick in 2022, had played in 32 games with 18 starts over his first two NFL seasons. He posted 49 tackles, 14 passes defensed, an interception, and three tackles for loss, and also appeared in a postseason game following the 2023 campaign. However, Kendrick’s momentum was derailed last summer when he tore his ACL early in training camp, causing him to miss the entire 2024 season. With the team moving in a new direction, he will not travel with the Rams to next week’s minicamp.
Rams Sign OT DJ Humphries After Alaric Jackson News
The decision to part ways with Kendrick coincided with a significant addition to the offensive line. The Rams brought in D.J. Humphries, a former first-round pick and Pro Bowler who spent the bulk of his career with the Arizona Cardinals. Humphries most recently signed with Kansas City in late 2024 after recovering from a torn ACL, though he saw limited snaps due to a hamstring injury and ultimately played only special teams in the postseason.
Humphries was briefly connected to the 49ers earlier this offseason but never finalized a deal. Now, he arrives in Los Angeles with the opportunity to provide valuable depth—and possibly more—at left tackle.
The move gains further significance in light of recent news regarding Alaric Jackson, the Rams’ starting left tackle. Jackson is reportedly dealing with a recurrence of blood clots, a condition that previously sidelined him during the 2022 season. While there is optimism that Jackson will be able to play in 2025, the Rams’ front office opted not to take any chances, securing Humphries as both insurance and potential competition.
Jackson has not been officially moved to the injured reserve list.
Rams Sign UDFA DT Decarius Hawthorne
Los Angeles also made a low-risk, high-upside addition to its defensive line earlier this week, signing undrafted free agent Decarius Hawthorne to a one-year deal. Hawthorne, who played at Florida Atlantic and South Florida during his collegiate career, brings a productive résumé to training camp. In 48 games, he recorded 80 tackles, 78 quarterback pressures, 7.5 sacks, and 20 tackles for loss. He capped off his senior season in 2024 with career highs in multiple categories and earned second-team All-AAC honors.
As the Rams prepare for the upcoming season, these moves signal a continued effort to bolster depth and stay agile amid injury uncertainty. With minicamp around the corner, the team is hoping its recent additions—veteran and rookie alike—can help fill key gaps and keep them on track toward a competitive 2025 campaign.
