The Rams agreed to terms with former Chiefs cornerback Jaylen Watson on a three-year deal in free agency, reuniting him with his running mate from Kansas City, Trent McDuffie.
Here are five things to know about the Rams' new corner.
1) College career began at Ventura College, just outside of Los Angeles
Watson spent two years at Ventura College, just outside Los Angeles, logging eight interceptions in 23 games. In 2020, he earned a scholarship to Washington State, where he played for his final two collegiate seasons.
2) Worked at Wendy's with his mom after his time playing it Junior College
After his sophomore season, Watson signed an NLI to play at USC but was ruled academically ineligible to transfer there. So, he moved home briefly, where he worked with his mom at Wendy's to help pay the bills. It's reminiscent of the path that Rams outside linebacker Byron Young took to put himself through Georgia Military Academy.
"I was never given anything," Watson told Chiefs.com. "I've had to work for everything. I think that gives me an edge on the football field as well."
3) A former seventh-round pick
Watson made the most of his opportunity at Washington State, despite playing in just 15 games. The Chiefs selected Watson with the No. 243 pick in the 2022 draft. However, he quickly ascended into an impact player, starting six games as a rookie and two in his second pro season. He's started all 21 regular season games he's appeared in since 2024.
4) Allowed the 10th-lowest passer rating when targeted in 2025 among cornerbacks with 200-plus coverage snaps (69.0)
Watson enjoyed a career year in 2025, hauling in a career-high two interceptions in 15 games. According to Pro Football Focus, he didn't allow a single touchdown reception in coverage.
5) Has played very tight coverage since entering the league
According to Next Gen Stats, Watson has forced the fifth-highest percentage of tight-window throws (less than one yard of separation) since his rookie season in 2022 at 30.4%. Only Sauce Gardner, Patrick Surtain II, Joey Porter Jr. and Tyson Campbell are ahead of him in that statistic.
