Rams double-dip on Chiefs cornerbacks, sign Jaylen Watson to three-year deal

UPDATE:

The Rams signed Jaylen Watson to a three-year, $51 million deal, with $34 million guaranteed, per report.

The Los Angeles Rams wasted no time upgrading their secondary minutes into the start of the tampering period for free agency. 

Following the blockbuster trade for former Kansas City Chiefs cornerback Trent McDuffie, the team is reuniting him with teammate Jaylen Watson.

Watson wil get a three-year deal from the Rams, effectively ending his time with the Chiefs.

"Another former Chiefs CB in LA: former KC cornerback Jaylen Watson reached agreement today on a three-year with the Los Angeles Rams, per Collin Roberts of Excel. The Rams now will have two former Chiefs CBs, Watson and Trent McDuffie. The KC Rams," Adam Schefter wrote on X.

The Rams had a major need in the secondary after the team posted a fourth-worst 276 passing yards per game average on the defensive side of things. With injuries plaguing the team, the front office wasted no time upgrading the secondary with two moves.

McDuffie was the big blockbuster trade for the Rams, as they sent the No. 29 overall pick plus more draft capital. Now, they have signed Watson to a three-year deal.

Watson is ranked the 16th-best cornerback on PFF with an overall grade of 74.1. His run defense grade of 83.5 is ranked sixth. He ended the season with two interceptions, six passes defended, two sacks, and 64 total tackles.

Watson also gave up a 62.5 completion percentage, one touchdown, and a 79.0 passer rating to opposing quarterbacks.

Considering how young both McDuffie and Watson are, the Rams' pouncing on both was an incredibly smart move. General manager Les Snead not only upgraded the secondary in 2026, but for years to come.

The arrival of McDuffie and Watson does point to the Rams completely overhauling the rest of the secondary. Cornerbacks Roger McCreary, Derion Kendrick, and Cobie Durant are all headed for free agency and might not return to Los Angeles.