The Kansas City Chiefs or Baltimore Ravens may sign 17-game starter cornerback free agent Ahkello Witherspoon before the upcoming season. According to a report, one source is urging the Ravens to sign the veteran after the team has been sustaining injuries at the cornerback position since guys like Nate Wiggins are going to be out. Even though the Ravens have two solid starters, Marlon Humphrey and Brandon Stephens, it would still be wise to add some depth behind them. Wiggins would likely win a starting position over Witherspoon but it’s a cost-effective option that the Ravens should consider to relieve some pressure off Humphrey and Stephens.
However, Baltimore is depending on a lot of young talent to emerge early in their careers which isn’t happening overnight so a veteran addition should pick up their slack. Witherspoon was able to start all 17 games last season with the Rams, picking off three passes and defending 14 more so he might actually be a worthwhile veteran. Any secondary that is depleting should be able to benefit Witherspoon’s presence since he was able to allow just 51 completions from 106 targets. He might be the one cornerback free agent other than Patrick Peterson that all NFL rosters are overlooking but an opportunity with a championship team would be helpful.
Witherspoon is a natural ball-hawk which is why Pro Football Network says the Chiefs should sign him. After moving on from L’Jarius Sneed this offseason, they need someone to replicate what he was able to do. Witherspoon isn’t doing that overnight but it gives the secondary a chance to improve since there are already frustrations brewing this preseason. Steven Spagnuolo is challenging guys like Trent McDuffie and Joshua Williams but have been failing their assignments so they may add a new starter.
Chiefs, Ravens May Sign 17-Game Starter Ahkello Witherspoon
Other Potential Destinations
Dallas Cowboys
The Cowboys are entering this season with some of the most talented cornerbacks which include Trevon Diggs, DaRon Bland and Jourdan Lewis. However, Dallas is always prone to injuries and it was evident that Diggs’ presence was one of the missing pieces for the Cowboys advancing further. Stephon Gilmore was able to take over the duties with no issues but Lewis has some injury issues so it may be safe to bring a veteran again to complement this group. Bland gave credit to Gilmore for what he was able to translate on the field and he may appreciate someone similar to Witherspoon.
The Cowboys probably won’t bring back Gilmore so it might be wise to start stocking up talent in their secondary. Dallas has been busy this past week improving the pass rush with Carl Lawson and Jordan Phillips so it’s time to start taking a look at their cornerback depth.
Carolina Panthers
It’s hard to imagine that Jaycee Horn is the only notable name in the cornerback position so the Panthers should consider adding at least a veteran. Carolina has been too busy adding offensive pieces to support Bryce Young after trading for Diontae Johnson and drafting rookie Xavier Legette. The Panthers won’t be able to win all of their football games with a solid offense, it also begins with how the defense can hold down the trenches. A guy like Witherspoon with his versatility and ball-hawk abilities could play lights out for a depleting secondary.
New Orleans Saints
The Saints need all the cheap pieces to be able to give this roster a fighting chance this season since they would have to get creative to make a splash trade or signing. Witherspoon wouldn’t put a single wound to their salary cap so New Orleans should consider bringing him in to help Marshon Lattimore. The Saints can’t afford to have one of the best cornerbacks to take on most of the load. Witherspoon’s consistency in staying on the field should be able to intrigue someone like Dennis Allen who wants to give Derek Carr more chances to go out there on the field for extra snaps.
