Top Cornerback Options After Failed Reunion for the Rams

With the announcement that Miami Dolphins All-Pro cornerback Jalen Ramsey has been traded to the Pittsburgh Steelers, it feels like the Los Angeles Rams missed an opportunity to make a logical reunion. There’s a pressing need at cornerback, and Ramsey is still playing at a high level despite being 30 years old.

Now that he’s no longer an option, let’s take a look at some of the top cornerbacks the Rams can take a swing at.

Free Agent Cornerback Options for the Rams

The top cornerback option on the open market for the Rams is former Buffalo Bills CB Rasul Douglas. ESPN ranked him as the top remaining free agent back on June 10th, and here’s what they had to say: “Douglas is a physical corner with the length to disrupt the ball and the willingness to set an edge against the run (five tackles for loss last season). He’s an easy fit in a zone system that allows him to reroute underneath and attack the ball from the outside third of the field. Douglas returned one of his five interceptions for a touchdown in 2023, and he had five pass breakups last season.”

The Rams can look over at their cross-town rivals and sign Asante Samuel Jr. He’s still just 25 years old, but is on the open market due to a shoulder injury that limited Samuel for four games last season. He’s had six interceptions and 26 pass breakups in his four seasons with the Los Angeles Chargers and should be able to make a fast recovery.

If the Rams don’t care for age and want a more experienced cornerback, Stephon Gilmore is the guy. A former Defensive Player of the Year, Gilmore recorded 56 total tackles, one interception, and nine pass deflections with the Minnesota Vikings last season. He thrives in man coverage and can be a mentor to the younger guys in the Rams’ secondary.

Trade Options

GettyGreg Newsome could be a potential trade target for the Los Angeles Rams.

One name that has been floated as a trade candidate is Cleveland Browns cornerback Greg Newsome II. Bleacher Report recently had this to say on Newsome as a potential trade asset: “The Browns are a dumpster fire of a roster mired in the third circle of salary-cap hell. Newsome and fellow young cornerback Martin Emerson are entering the final year of their contracts. And the cold, hard truth is that the better Newsome plays this year, the less chance the Browns will have of being able to afford him in 2026.” Newsome is still just 25 years old, and the Rams can take advantage and snag him while the Browns are dealing with their salary cap issues.

Ralph Vacchiano of Fox Sports listed Kansas City Chiefs’ cornerback Jaylen Watson as a potential trade piece for the team due to the team having signed cornerback Kristian Fulton and needing to extend All-Pro corner Trent McDuffie in the near future. Watson, 26, is a starter for the Chiefs and could be the boost the Rams need in the secondary.

If the Rams want a do-it-all CB, Amik Robertson of the Detroit Lions could be their guy. He’s been superstar wide receiver Justin Jefferson’s kryptonite as of recent, but Detroit Jock City’s Cem Yolbulan believes the Lions should trade him while his value is still high. “At nickel, the Lions added Avonte Maddox from the Super Bowl winners this offseason. Brian Branch also spends significant time at the slot. Considering the solid season Robertson had last season, the Lions may be wise to move on from him when he has trade value and rely on their secondary depth to make up for the absence.”