Los Angeles Rams: Cornerback Kavyon Webster’s expanded role
Kayvon Webster’s transition to starter key to the success of Los Angeles Rams cornerbacks in 2017
The first name that is associated with the Los Angeles Rams cornerbacks is Trumaine Johnson. The most important name in the Rams cornerback group, however, is that of Kayvon Webster.
The fifth-year pro spent his first four seasons as a key reserve with the Denver Broncos. He signed with the Rams as a free agent during the offseason and has grabbed a starting role opposite Johnson.
Los Angeles head coach Sean McVay had this to say during a post-practice news conference earlier this week, according to therams.com:
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"“Unless something changes, he’s starting. He’s been very important to us, so I think you want to be mindful of that because he is such an elite special teams player. I think ‘Bones’ (special teams coordinator John Fassel) will pick and choose his spots when to utilize him, but he’s a starting corner that’s going to be very important for our defense moving forward.”"
The South Florida alum also has been a stalwart on special teams. But the Rams hope Webster has enough success that he is too indispensable on defense to use extensively on special teams. Webster’s familiarity with defensive coordinator Wade Phillips’ scheme is critical to his success. And his success is critical to the Rams’ secondary — not only this season but also for the future.
Back-to-back franchise tag years basically have priced Johnson out of L.A. after 2017. That makes Webster’s role as a lockdown corner critical to the foundation Phillips intends to build. Johnson will earn $16.742 million in 2017; Webster will earn $4.25 million, according to Sportrac. The Rams will have only a $500,000 dead cap value on Webster in 2018 if they cut him.
But if he can establish himself as a legitimate starter for the Rams, the team can look to signing their other free agents without as much concern for breaking the bank. Los Angeles has to find a way to lock All-Pro defensive lineman Aaron Donald to a long-term deal.
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If Webster is strong in 2017, the Rams won’t have to look for a high-priced free agent or spend one of their high draft choices on a cornerback. Los Angeles then could focus on shoring up its other positional needs. And Webster may discover another home with a long-term option.