Rams Sign Free Agent CB Jaylen Watson

Three-year deal further solidifies Rams' secondary

Published on Mar. 9, 2026

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The Los Angeles Rams have agreed to terms with free agent cornerback Jaylen Watson on a three-year contract. Watson, a 27-year-old former seventh-round pick, spent the last four seasons with the Kansas City Chiefs, recording 24 pass breakups, three interceptions, and four sacks. At 6'2" and 197 pounds, he provides the Rams with a physical outside cornerback to match up against bigger receivers, an area that gave the team trouble in 2025.

Why it matters

The Rams' secondary was a major need heading into the offseason, with three contributors entering free agency and Darious Williams retiring. The additions of Watson and former Chiefs teammate Trent McDuffie, who signed the most lucrative contract extension for a cornerback in history, have completely remade the Rams' cornerback room and should help solidify their defense.

The details

Watson, a seventh-round pick by the Chiefs in 2022, has recorded 24 pass breakups, three interceptions, and four sacks over his four seasons in Kansas City. At 6'2" and 197 pounds, he provides the physical presence the Rams were looking for to match up against bigger receivers, an area that gave the team trouble in 2025.

  • Watson agreed to a three-year deal with the Rams on March 9, 2026.

The players

Jaylen Watson

A 27-year-old cornerback who spent the last four seasons with the Kansas City Chiefs.

Trent McDuffie

A cornerback who the Rams traded four draft picks for and signed to the most lucrative contract extension for a cornerback in history.

Emmanuel Forbes

A cornerback who is returning to the Rams' secondary.

Darious Williams

A former Rams cornerback who retired.

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The takeaway

The Rams have made a concerted effort to rebuild their secondary this offseason, adding two physical cornerbacks in Jaylen Watson and Trent McDuffie to pair with returner Emmanuel Forbes. These moves should help the Rams better defend against bigger receivers, an area that was problematic for them in 2025.