After cornerbacks Derion Kendrick and Darious Williams sustained injuries, the Los Angeles Rams have signed former Detroit Lions defensive back Jerry Jacobs, as reported by Jordan Schultz. With Kendrick out for the season due to a torn ACL and Williams dealing with a hamstring injury, the Rams needed additional experienced cornerback depth. This need is amplified by the injury history and limited workload expected for Tre White during training camp as the team works to get him up to speed.
Some might find it surprising that the Rams didn’t re-sign Ahkello Witherspoon, who played for them in 2023. Head coach Sean McVay had previously mentioned the possibility of bringing Witherspoon back, stating on Thursday:
“I would never rule it out. I thought he did a really good job. I enjoyed working with Ahkello last year, and it’s definitely something we wouldn’t dismiss.”
However, with Jacobs now on board, it seems unlikely that the Rams will also bring Witherspoon back.
Sources: Free agent CB Jerry Jacobs is signing with the #Rams.
Jacobs had a career-best 3 INTs and 8 PBUs for the #Lions last season. Physical corner who will upgrade LA’s secondary after helping change the culture in Detroit. pic.twitter.com/Z5Ltwq87u0
— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) July 26, 2024
Jacobs has a past connection with Rams defensive backs coach Aubrey Pleasant, who coached him in Detroit during the 2021 and 2022 seasons before Pleasant was let go. Jacobs is somewhat similar to Kendrick in that he can be a bit “grabby” at times, as evidenced by his nine penalties last season, which was just two fewer than Kendrick.
On the positive side, Jacobs recorded a career-high three interceptions last year and might fit the Rams’ needs better than Witherspoon. Tackling has been a key factor for experienced defensive backs, and Jacobs had two fewer missed tackles and a better missed tackle percentage than Witherspoon last season. Pro Football Focus also gave Jacobs a higher tackling grade compared to Witherspoon. At the very least, Jacobs provides reliable depth with the added benefit of Pleasant’s familiarity. While players like Josh Wallace show promise, being an undrafted free agent presents its own challenges, and Tre Tomlinson lacks size. If Williams returns to full health, he is expected to start opposite Tre White, with Jacobs adding valuable experience to the depth chart.