The Los Angeles Rams' decision to waive cornerback Derion Kendrick in June 2025 significantly impacts their defensive strategy. Kendrick, who missed the entire 2024 season due to an ACL injury, was expected to compete for a starting role. His release frees up $3.4 million in cap space, increasing the Rams' total cap room to approximately $22 million.

With Kendrick's departure, the Rams' cornerback depth chart now relies heavily on veterans Darious Williams and Ahkello Witherspoon, both aged 32. The team has not yet added a major cornerback through free agency or trade, despite rumors of interest in Jalen Ramsey and Jaire Alexander. This leaves the Rams' secondary as a potential vulnerability as they aim to contend in the NFC.

For fantasy football players, this move suggests that the Rams' defense may be more susceptible to passing attacks in 2025, potentially increasing the value of opposing wide receivers in matchups against them. Additionally, the Rams' offensive stars, like Matthew Stafford and Davante Adams, may see increased pressure to perform if the defense struggles to contain opposing offenses.