The Los Angeles Rams have made a significant move to strengthen their secondary by landing All-Pro cornerback Tre'Davious White in a one-year deal worth up to $10 million. This acquisition is a valuable addition to the Rams' revamped defensive lineup, but it does come with some risk due to White's recent injury history, specifically a torn Achilles tendon.

Assuming White joins Darious Williams as the starting cornerbacks, this signing raises concerns for the younger defensive backs on the Rams' roster. It is becoming increasingly unlikely that Ahkello Witherspoon will return, considering the team's investment in outside cornerbacks and their reluctance to move either White or Williams to the slot.

While the addition of White may suggest that the Rams are set at cornerback, it should not deter them from considering the position in the upcoming NFL draft. With White on a one-year contract and Williams on a three-year deal, investing in a young cornerback who can contribute for the next four years would be a wise move for the team.

The signing of White comes with a certain level of risk given his recent injuries and age. At nearly 30 years old, White has suffered two major injuries in recent seasons, including a torn ACL in 2021 and a torn Achilles last year. Achilles tears often require a lengthy recovery period, and there is no guarantee that White will regain his pre-injury form. Nonetheless, the Rams are prepared to invest a considerable sum in his services for the upcoming season.

This signing also indicates a shift towards a more traditional cornerback setup for the Rams' defense. In the past, the team had the flexibility to move Jalen Ramsey around in the secondary, playing him either in the slot or on the outside. However, with White and Williams as boundary corners, the Rams are likely to adopt a more static defensive approach, with limited rotations and position changes.

The Rams' decision to acquire White and Williams highlights their ambition to improve their ball-hawking ability after recording only 10 interceptions last season, a disappointing figure for a team with playoff aspirations. White boasts an impressive career record of 18 interceptions in just 82 games, with six picks in his standout 2019 season. Williams also possesses excellent ball skills, having secured 10 interceptions in just 55 career starts, including four last season.

This signing and the subsequent lack of confidence displayed towards younger cornerbacks like Cobie Durant and Derion Kendrick indicates that the Rams are looking for immediate impact and reliability in their secondary. Kendrick, in particular, fell out of favor after being benched last season, and Durant failed to meet expectations following a promising rookie campaign in 2022.

As the 2024 season approaches, the Los Angeles Rams are banking on the talent and experience of Tre'Davious White to anchor their revamped secondary. While there are inherent risks associated with the signing, the potential rewards of improved ball skills and veteran leadership make this acquisition a calculated gamble for the Rams in their pursuit of defensive dominance.