\u201cI had no idea,\u201d the Rams<\/a> cornerback said.<\/p>\n Witherspoon, 30, is the most veteran player in a Rams secondary that remains unchanged in personnel from when the Rams advanced to the NFC divisional round<\/a>.<\/p>\n Read more: Quentin Lake plays the waiting game regarding his future with the Rams<\/a><\/p>\n Witherspoon and 32-year-old Darious Williams<\/a>, an eighth-year pro, are the projected starters for a group that includes Cobie Durant<\/a> and Emmanuel Forbes Jr.<\/a> among others.<\/p>\n Witherspoon played four seasons for the San Francisco 49ers, and two with the Pittsburgh Steelers before the Rams signed him to a one-year, veteran-minimum contract before the 2023 season.<\/p>\n Advertisement<\/p>\n Despite intercepting three passes, Witherspoon was still a free agent when the 2024 season began. But after since-released Tre\u2019Davious White<\/a> struggled mightily in the opener, the Rams signed Witherspoon to the practice squad.<\/p>\n By the end of the season, he was a starter, including for two playoff games.<\/p>\n This year, the Rams did not wait. In March, they signed Witherspoon to another one-year deal, giving him the opportunity to prepare for the first time with the team through offseason workouts.<\/p>\n \u201cGuys just play calmer and better when they\u2019re in there with him,\u201d defensive coordinator Chris Shula<\/a> said, adding, \u201cHe\u2019s like the savvy leader. … He\u2019s almost like the ‘Yoda’ of the position group.\u201d<\/p>\n Rams cornerback Ahkello Witherspoon breaks up a pass intended for Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Tre Tucker during a game in October at SoFi Stadium. (Gina Ferazzi \/ Los Angeles Times)<\/p>\n Witherspoon, who has 12 career interceptions, knows that younger teammates look to him as an example.<\/p>\n Advertisement<\/p>\n \u201cPart of my growth is taking ownership of that,\u201d he said, adding, \u201cI don\u2019t just get to focus on myself, and it\u2019s been a learning experience for me. It\u2019s been empowering for me as a person and a player.\u201d<\/p>\n After losing to the eventual Super Bowl champion<\/a> Philadelphia Eagles in the playoffs, the Rams did not sign or draft a new cornerback or safety. The inaction was unusual because roster turnover is the norm.<\/p>\n Witherspoon saw it as a vote of confidence.<\/p>\n \u201cThey do a good job here in terms of being honest with what they see,\u201d Witherspoon said, noting that the Rams seem to limit transactions. \u201cWhat I saw in the offseason was the most extreme version of that in my career, so it was definitely noticeable.<\/p>\n Advertisement<\/p>\n \u201cBut I also think it\u2019s a testament to the group that we have. It\u2019s not on us to do something different. It\u2019s just be ourselves and continue to grow.\u201d<\/p>\n Read more: Kobie Turner has a message for NFL offenses: Rams are ‘dangerous’ on defense<\/a><\/p>\n If quarterback Matthew Stafford recovers from a back issue that has sidelined him during training camp, the Rams will be regarded as a Super Bowl contender.<\/p>\n The secondary is part of a defense that features an ascending front led by lineman Kobie Turner<\/a> and edge rusher Jared Verse<\/a>.<\/p>\n \u201cThe front has a chance to make our jobs very easy,\u201d Witherspoon said. \u201cJust keep it simple in that regard. … I think we have the ability to play to our skill set , which is being aggressive and being quick and making quick decisions using our communication, our experience to not make any bonehead mistakes.<\/p>\n Advertisement<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m really looking forward to just that combination of speed, aggression and power up front and the middle, and our communication and attacking mentality. I think it\u2019s going to be special.\u201d<\/p>\n![\"Rams](\"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/38d9353094a53ed302df160c090d2f45.jpeg\"\/)
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