Grading the signing: Jaylen Watson gives Los Angeles Rams free agency fix they desperately needed at worst position room
The Jaylen Watson signing will go a long way in solving the Rams’ issues at cornerback.
The Los Angeles Rams got on the board early in free agency, signing cornerback Jaylen Watson from the Kansas City Chiefs. The Rams reunited recently-acquired Trent McDuffie with his former teammate in an effort to rebuild their weakest link from last season at cornerback.
This move shouldn’t be a surprised, based on the Rams’ desire at cornerback and their hints at changing things up in their secondary. What are they getting with Jaylen Watson?
Jaylen Watson signing solves their CB2 opposite McDuffie, but more moves should come
It’s obvious that the Rams wanted to improve the size and physicality of their defensive back room with the addition of Watson next to McDuffie. I would expect that duo to be your starting outside cornerbacks in Los Angeles, with McDuffie kicking inside occasionally based on the matchup.
Watson is a tall, lengthy corner who uses his length and physicality well to jam receivers and stay in phase. Long strider who offers plenty of range on the back end and has been a strong run defender at cornerback in Kansas City. His ball skills are below-average and he won’t make a lot of plays on the ball, which makes his 17M APY deal a bit surprising.
However, if there is one thing this signing tells me, it’s that the Rams are aiming to shift gears in the secondary and are aiming to run more press and man coverage looks this season.
This is a huge shift for the Rams and Chris Shula, who have tinkered with those looks situationally, but haven’t made it a staple of their coverage options. Now, however, it seems those looks will be deployed more frequently in 2026.
It’s a bit surprising, but it’s a necessary move for the Rams’, who desperately need to try any solution they can in the secondary. Moving to those looks should help the pass rush as well.
All in all, the Jaylen Watson signing shouldn’t be the Rams’ only move at cornerback and it’s slightly more than I would pay, but he’s a solid, proven option that fills a crucial need for the Rams at cornerback. They needed someone with size and physicality at cornerback, and Watson will bring that.
Grade: B+
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