He is set to return for a third season with the Rams, signing a one-year deal, according to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler.
In previous years, He rejoined the team late—June in 2023 and September in 2024—but this time, he’ll start his 2025 campaign earlier. Turning 30 on Friday, the veteran cornerback has started 22 games for Los Angeles over the past two seasons.
The Rams relied on Witherspoon as a full-time starter in 2023 after signing him post-minicamp on June 29. He started 17 games that year, providing veteran leadership alongside Darious Williams.
In 2024, Witherspoon initially joined the practice squad before being elevated to the active roster, especially after Tre’Davious White’s one-year deal didn’t pan out. He played 58% of the defensive snaps last season.
Witherspoon recorded three interceptions in 2023 and added another pick with nine pass breakups in 2024. However, his coverage performance declined—his completion percentage allowed rose from 48.1% in 2023 to 65.3% in 2024, with opponents averaging 8.5 yards per target and a 96.9 passer rating against him. Pro Football Focus ranked him 53rd among regular cornerbacks last season.
Entering his ninth NFL season, Witherspoon has started 62 career games. He was a key contributor on the 49ers’ Super Bowl LIV team but was relegated to a backup role by the big game. Since then, he has started four more playoff games, including both of the Rams’ postseason matchups last season.
In the Rams’ wild-card win over the Vikings, he made a crucial play by stripping Sam Darnold, leading to a 57-yard scoop-and-score by Jared Verse.
Witherspoon has also spent time in Seattle and Pittsburgh but will continue to bring experience to the Rams’ young cornerback group. However, he isn’t the only veteran presence. Williams, who re-signed in 2024, remains under contract as he heads into his age-32 season.
The Rams still have plans for Williams, who secured $8 million in salary and bonuses by staying on the roster past Day 5 of the 2025 league year. Alongside longtime contributor Cobie Durant, the team also retained Emmanuel Forbes after claiming his first-round contract via waivers.
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