As a lifelong football enthusiast and a proud collector of Los Angeles Rams memorabilia—boasting a collection that includes 62 team-signed items spanning the team’s nearly 89 years of existence, a testament to their rich history since being founded in Cleveland in 1936—I’m deeply invested in the current trajectory of my beloved Rams. The latest news from the team paints a picture of strategic reinforcement, promising talent development, and a renewed focus on Super Bowl aspirations.
Rams Bring Back Derion Kendrick in Strategic Move After Injury
Woodland Hills, CA – June 17, 2025 – In a notable turn of events, the Los Angeles Rams announced on Tuesday that they have re-signed cornerback Derion Kendrick. The move comes less than a week after Kendrick, 24, was waived by the team, only to clear waivers and become an unrestricted free agent.
Kendrick’s return to the Rams’ secondary is particularly significant given his absence throughout the entire 2024 season due to a torn ACL, an injury he sustained in practice in July 2024. His time on injured reserve last year undoubtedly contributed to the team’s initial decision to waive him, likely as a maneuver to optimize cap space, given he was entering the final year of his rookie deal with an escalator that would have significantly increased his 2025 salary to over $3.4 million. By waiving him and re-signing him, the Rams were able to negotiate a new, likely more team-friendly contract.
Prior to his injury, Kendrick had established himself as a developing talent in the Rams’ defensive backfield. In 2023, he featured in all 17 regular-season games, making 12 starts. During that season, he tallied 49 tackles, including three for loss, and recorded one interception along with 10 passes defended. Over his two active seasons (2022-23) since being drafted by the Rams in the sixth round of the 2022 NFL Draft out of Georgia (after starting his collegiate career at Clemson), Kendrick has accumulated a total of 92 tackles and 14 passes defended in 32 games, with 18 starts.
His immediate re-signing suggests that the Rams remain confident in Kendrick’s potential and his recovery from the ACL injury. With the cornerback depth chart featuring players like Cobie Durant, Emmanuel Forbes Jr., and Darious Williams, Kendrick’s return adds a familiar face and potential rotational depth as he works his way back to full health. While some speculation arose about a potential trade for veteran cornerback Jalen Ramsey after Kendrick’s initial release, his re-signing now brings a degree of stability back to the position.
As the Rams prepare for the upcoming season, Kendrick’s re-addition provides an experienced, albeit recently injured, option to a secondary that will be crucial for the team’s aspirations. His ability to return to his pre-injury form will be a key storyline to watch as training camp approaches.
The offseason has seen some intriguing roster adjustments. The re-signing of cornerback Derion Kendrick, who cleared waivers after a brief stint of being waived, indicates the team’s belief in his potential. A significant move for the offensive line was the one-year deal inked with veteran D.J. Humphries. This acquisition becomes even more critical with the concerning news of left tackle Alaric Jackson dealing with a recurring instance of blood clotting, an issue that sidelined him in 2022. While Jackson’s long-term $57 million contract shows the team’s commitment, Humphries provides a vital insurance policy. The team’s offensive line focus this offseason, including securing Jackson’s contract, underscores their understanding that protecting Matthew Stafford is paramount.
The Rams are clearly prioritizing their offensive front, assessing options beyond Humphries, such as David Quessenberry and Warren McClendon, should Jackson miss extended time. Humphries, a former first-round pick, brings veteran experience, though his recent performance with the Chiefs and a history of penalties raise questions about his consistency. However, his Pro Football Focus grades from earlier in his career suggest an ability to be an average to above-average starter when healthy. This proactive approach to the offensive line is crucial for the team’s Super Bowl aspirations.
On the defensive side, cornerback Emmanuel Forbes Jr. is reportedly adding muscle during the offseason, aiming to improve his game. The standout defensive rookie, Jared Verse, despite earning Defensive Rookie of the Year honors, felt he “left around 10 sacks on the field” during his debut season. This self-awareness, coupled with his impressive 76 pressures (ranking fourth in the NFL), suggests a high ceiling. While his 4.5 sacks on those pressures were puzzlingly low compared to his peers, his commitment to improvement could see him become a perennial double-digit sack master. The recent waiving of cornerback Derion Kendrick also begs the question of a potential trade for Jalen Ramsey, a discussion General Manager Les Snead has reportedly had with the Dolphins.
The receiving corps has received a major boost with the arrival of Davante Adams, who feels “rejuvenated” with the Rams. Adams has been fitting in well during practices with Matthew Stafford. His presence is expected to significantly address the Rams’ long-standing red zone efficiency issues. Under Sean McVay, the Rams have often struggled to convert red zone trips into touchdowns, ranking 24th in points per red zone trip and 25th in red zone touchdown percentage last season. Adams’ elite contested catch rate and ability on end-zone fades, a route McVay has favored, should provide Stafford with a much-needed reliable target. While Stafford’s red zone accuracy has wavered in recent years, his past success with strong red zone threats like Cooper Kupp in 2021 and even Calvin Johnson in Detroit suggests that Adams could unlock this crucial part of the offense. The addition of big receiving tight end Terrance Ferguson further bolsters this area. The potential for a “lethal passing attack” with Adams and Puka Nacua, ranked as the league’s highest-graded wide receiver group by Pro Football Focus, has many optimistic about the Rams’ offensive ceiling, provided the offensive line stays healthy and Stafford maintains consistency.
In the backfield, running back Kyren Williams is focused on improving for the upcoming season, but the room has grown crowded. Rookie third-round pick Blake Corum was underutilized last year, and now fourth-round draftee Jarquez Hunter brings a new element of explosiveness. While Williams remains the workhorse, McVay will need to manage his workload to keep him fresh for a deep playoff run. Hunter’s impressive college metrics, particularly in breakaway runs, suggest he could carve out a significant complementary role.
Beyond the roster, the Rams are making headlines with their minicamp in Maui, a partnership with the Hawaii Tourism Authority. The Kroenke Organization has also announced ambitious plans for a 52-acre development in Woodland Hills, CA, to be known as “Rams Village.” Looking further ahead, the team has been designated as the host for the first-ever NFL regular season game in Australia in 2026. The Rams are also actively involved in community initiatives, including wildfire relief efforts and youth programs.
The future of the leadership triumvirate – General Manager Les Snead, Head Coach Sean McVay, and Quarterback Matthew Stafford – remains a key focus. The team is working on adjusting Stafford’s contract to ensure his presence for 2025, while also evaluating draft options at quarterback for the future. Snead’s strategic draft decisions and bold trades have undeniably shaped the team’s success, and McVay has consistently elevated the team since taking over. With the weapons now assembled around Stafford, the 2025 season truly feels like one of the Rams’ best shots at another deep playoff run, a sentiment I share as a fan who has followed their journey for decades, collecting pieces of their history along the way.