Los Angeles Rams veteran cornerback Darious Williams had a disappointing 2025 campaign, falling out of the cornerback rotation despite putting up solid numbers in the games he played, as he was a healthy scratch multiple times, and logged the third-lowest snap share of his NFL career. He recorded one interception and eight pass deflections while allowing a 53.7% completion rate, 261 passing yards, three touchdowns, and an 87.6 passer rating across 12 regular-season games, including three starts, accounting for 54% of defensive snaps. Williams was a healthy scratch four times and missed two games with a shoulder and tibia injury.
The Los Angeles Rams’ veteran CB is on the chopping block
Jan 18, 2026; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bears wide receiver DJ Moore (2) catches a three-yard touchdown pass thrown by quarterback Caleb Williams (not pictured) against Los Angeles Rams cornerback Darious Williams (31) during the second quarter of an NFC Divisional Round game at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-Imagn Images
Jan 18, 2026; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bears wide receiver DJ Moore (2) catches a three-yard touchdown pass thrown by quarterback Caleb Williams (not pictured) against Los Angeles Rams cornerback Darious Williams (31) during the second quarter of an NFC Divisional Round game at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-Imagn Images
Because he was out-snapped by Cobie Durant and Emmanuel Forbes Jr., his age (he turns 33 in March), his contract, and the Rams’ plan to bolster the cornerback position in the offseason, Darious Williams is strongly considered a cap casualty. He is scheduled to earn a $7 million base salary, a $500,000 roster bonus due on March 15, and an $8.67 million cap hit in 2026, per Over The Cap. With a pre-June 1st cut, the front office frees $7.5 million in cap space while incurring $1.17 million in dead cap.
Los Angeles Rams projected to cut 32-year-old
Cameron DaSilva of The Rams Wiregoes through several players considered cap casualties. DaSilva mentions Darious Williams as the most obvious cut candidate for the Rams, highlighting that he was outsnapped in the cornerback rotation, was a healthy scratch several times, is older, and his contract.
“Williams is the most obvious cut candidate for the Rams. He was a healthy scratch at points last season and wasn’t terribly impactful when he was on the field, struggling to beat out Emmanuel Forbes Jr. and Cobie Durant for playing time,” DaSilva said.
“He’ll be 33 this season and carries a cap hit of nearly $9 million in 2026, so it’s hard to justify that price for a player who’s clearly on the decline. Cutting him will save the Rams $7.5 million, which can be used to add a younger corner or fill out other positions.”