Rams trade for CB McCreary from Titans for conditional 2026 fifth-round pick
The Los Angeles Rams have acquired cornerback Roger McCreary from the Tennessee Titans in a strategic move to bolster their secondary.
Why it matters: With the Rams' cornerback depth significantly impacted by injuries, McCreary's addition provides a timely reinforcement as they navigate a challenging season.
- The Rams are currently without cornerback Ahkello Witherspoon, who is on injured reserve due to a clavicle injury and expected to take around 12 weeks to recover.
- McCreary's ability to play both inside and outside positions enhances the Rams' defensive flexibility.
What's new: The trade involves a conditional 2026 fifth-round pick going to the Titans along with a sixth-round pick for McCreary, who was originally a second-round selection in 2022.
- This transaction marks another shift in the Titans' approach, having previously traded away starting cornerback Jarvis Brownlee Jr. to the New York Jets earlier this season.
By the numbers: In his eight games during the current season, McCreary has compiled:
- 33 total tackles
- 1 interception
- 1 sack
- 2 passes defended
- These statistics reflect a promising performance for a young player still in the final year of his rookie contract.
The big picture: The Rams are adapting to a rapidly changing roster due to injuries while seeking to maintain competitiveness within an evolving NFC West landscape.
- With McCreary, the Rams now have options to rotate alongside Cobie Durant, Emmanuel Forbes, and Darious Williams, enhancing their coverage capabilities against diverse offensive schemes.
Yes, but: While McCreary's talent is evident, integrating him into the Rams' defensive system will require a period of adjustment.
- Familiarizing himself with the Rams' zone and man coverage schemes will be crucial for maximizing his impact on the field.
What’s next: As the season progresses, all eyes will be on how quickly McCreary can adapt to the Rams' defensive strategies and whether he can fill the void left by Witherspoon.
- The Rams’ coaching staff will likely prioritize his development to ensure he becomes a key asset in their defensive lineup moving forward.
The bottom line: The acquisition of Roger McCreary represents a proactive step for the Rams to shore up their defensive backfield in light of injuries, aiming to enhance their overall team performance as the season unfolds.
