The Los Angeles Rams are entering the 2026 offseason with the intention of going all-in to maximize what's looking like the final season of Matthew Stafford's Hall of Fame career.
One of the biggest issues the Rams' front office needs to resolve is the cornerback room. The NFC Championship went poorly due to poor cornerback play, and that cannot continue in 2026.
And yet, despite such a dire need at cornerback, ESPN's Aaron Schatz is urging the Rams to cut ties with a veteran cornerback who helped them win the 2021 Super Bowl. Darious Williams, the eight-year veteran CB, might be cut this offseason.
Rams urged to cut Darious Williams despite big CB need
"However, he is going to be 33 next month and doesn't have any guaranteed money remaining on his contract," Schatz writes. "It would be easy for the Rams to go another direction in the secondary, leaving Williams to find another job elsewhere."
Williams is turning 33 years old at the start of the new league year in the NFL on March 15th, and with the veteran CB entering the final year of a $23 million deal, in which a cut would save roughly $6 million in cap space, this is a no-brainer for the Rams.
The veteran cornerback started three games, playing in 12 games all year. He recorded one interception and eight pass breakups while allowing a passer rating of 87.6 in coverage.
More: Rams urged to upgrade CB room after Sam Darnold's 346-yard NFC Championship outing
It wasn't a bad season by any means, especially for someone who played only 54% of the snaps during his 12 games this season. But, considering his cap hit is $8.6 million for 2026, there's little reason for the Rams to hold onto him.
They need to improve their cornerback room in a big way, and yet, even with such a dire need, cutting Williams this offseason makes the most sense.
Saving $6 million could go a long way to improving the roster, and while Williams might have etched his name in Rams history, moving on from him this offseason is the best path forward for Les Snead and the Rams.
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