The Los Angeles Rams made a surprising decision last week, cutting former sixth-round draft pick and 18-game starter, cornerback Derion Kendrick. Less than one week later, Kendrick is back, with the Rams announcing the 24-year-old’s return on June 17.
Kendrick, selected with the No. 212 pick of the 2022 draft. He set career highs with 12 starts in 17 games played in 2023.
As surprising as his release was, his return also raised eyebrows.
“CB Derion Kendrick, released by the #Rams a few days ago, is signing… with the #Rams,” The 33rd Team’s Ari Meirov posted on X on June 18, quoting his initial report on the corner’s exit. “He’s back. So there’s that.”
Kendrick also set career-highs with 49 total tackles, 10 pass deflections, and 1 interception in 2023, flashing the upside that makes his return a sensible decision for both sides.
The Rams have a perceived need for cornerbacks, so keeping a productive one makes sense.
Rams Saved Money With Initial Derion Kendrick Decision
GettyDerion Kendrick #1of the Los Angeles Rams reacts against the Cincinnati Bengals.
Kendrick missed the 2024 season with a torn ACL, which could provide context for the Rams’ decision to cut him in the first place.
The Rams Wire’s Cameron DaSilva pointed to finances as another potential motivator.
“On Tuesday, the Rams announced they have signed Kendrick, a surprising move considering he was waived only four days ago. The reason? Probably his contract,” DaSilva wrote on June 18. “The Rams saved $3.4 million in cap space by releasing Kendrick, so it’s likely they’ve brought him back on a much cheaper deal than the one he was set to play on in 2025. The terms of his new contract have not been released yet.”
Kendrick was on a four-year, $3.8 million contract. Per Over The Cap, the Rams have $21.8 million in space, though Kendrick’s new deal has yet to be factored in. They also have $50.8 million in dead cap space, the eighth-most in the NFL in 2025, per OTC.
Retaining a proven commodity such as Kendrick, potentially on a discount, is a savvy move given the uncertainty around some of the Rams’ other options.
Rams Have Flexibility, Options at CB
GettyMinnesota Vikings cornerback Stephon Gilmore #2 warms up before a game against the Houston Texans.
Kendrick’s return could be an ominous sign for the prospects of the Rams trading for Miami Dolphins star Jalen Ramsey. However, Ramsey is on the higher end of the Rams’ options, with several still in free agency.
Former Green Bay Packers star Jaire Alexander and Asante Samuel Jr., formerly of the Los Angeles Chargers, are two options that straddle youth and proven production.
Former Defensive Player of the Year Stephon Gilmore is also still available.
Rams head coach Sean McVay has touted the Rams’ current group while discussing the team’s outlook, saying he felt “good about where we’re at.” He noted Ramsey was a “unique deal,” but still espoused his faith in his current players.
“I thought that Cobie Durant took amazing strides last year. Obviously, Ahkello Witherspoon played great. I think him being here in the offseason is a big deal. Darious Williams has been an excellent player for us. I don’t think anybody can minimize that hamstring injury that he had to work through in the early parts of the year,” McVay told reporters in May. “It was great to see Derion Kendrick out here, and Emmanuel Forbes made a play.
“There’s a handful of guys; I saw Shaun Jolly get in on a pick today. So, I do feel really good about the development of that group.”
The name drop likely bodes well for Kendrick’s chances of sticking around with the Rams.
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