Rams signing former Steelers CB Akhello Witherspoon
The Los Angeles Rams are looking towards a former Pittsburgh Steelers defensive back for help in their secondary.
According to NFL reporter Jordan Schultz, Ahkello Witherspoon is headed to Los Angeles, opting to join the Rams after spending the past two seasons in the Steel City. Schultz reported the signing on Thursday afternoon.
“Free agent CB Ahkello Witherspoon is signing with the #Rams, per source,” tweeted Schultz. “At 6-2, 208 pounds, Witherspoon’s a big corner who’s been very productive. In 13 games with the #Steelers over the past two seasons, he’s amassed 11 PBUs and 4 INTs.”
Originally, Witherspoon came into the NFL after playing his college football with the Colorado Buffaloes, drafted by the San Francisco 49ers with the No. 66 overall selection in the third round of the 2017 NFL Draft. He’d spend four seasons with the 49ers before joining the Seattle Seahawks, who traded him to the Steelers before the start of the 2021 season.
Now, Witherspoon is headed back to the NFC West, where he’ll hope to fill a Jalen Ramsey-sized hole in the Rams’ defensive back room. It’ll be a tall task, but Ahkello Witherspoon will look to be up to the challenge.
Connor Heyward could make significant impact on Steelers offense this year, says insider
Meanwhile, Pittsburgh Steelers insider Brooke Pryor says that tight end Connor Heyward could have a significant impact on the Steelers’ offense in 2023.
A sixth-round pick in the 2022 NFL Draft out of Michigan State, Heyward flashed some of his talent as a rookie and is now taking strides in the offseason. This should make him a potential breakout star on the offensive side of the ball.
“Entering his second season, the younger brother of Steelers defensive tackle Cameron Heyward is primed for an even bigger role,” Pryor wrote. “He made the most of playing 15% of offensive snaps last season, catching 12 of 17 targets and hauling in a touchdown.”
According to Pryor, one of the biggest things going for Heyward is his relationship with second-year quarterback Kenny Pickett. The two have been working together a lot this offseason. That’s helped them build their chemistry and make him a likely player to fill the gap left by Derek Watt.
While he’s listed as a tight end, Heyward is undersized for the position at the NFL level. However, given his skillset, it makes sense to use him as a fullback when necessary.
“His chemistry with quarterback Kenny Pickett continued through the spring, and with Derek Watt’s departure, Heyward could fill the role as the team’s primary fullback and see time as an undersized yet strong tight end.”
As a rookie, Heyward appeared in 17 games without making a single start. In that time, he snagged 12 completions for 151 yards and a touchdown. That’s about 12.6 yards per reception. He also had two rushing attempts for 27 yards.