Former seventh-round Chiefs cornerback out of Washington State who signed with the Rams in 2026, reuniting with Trent McDuffie.
Jaylen Watson is a long, physical cornerback who outplayed his draft slot with the Kansas City Chiefs. In March 2026 he signed a three-year, $51 million deal with the Los Angeles Rams, reuniting with former Kansas City teammate Trent McDuffie, per the Rams and Yahoo Sports. He brings strong run defense to the Rams' secondary.
Path to the league
Watson spent two years at Ventura College, recording eight interceptions in 23 games, before earning a scholarship to Washington State for his final two collegiate seasons. The Chiefs selected him in the seventh round (243rd overall) of the 2022 NFL Draft.
Career highlights
Watson developed into a reliable starting corner in Kansas City, earning playing time well beyond his late-round pedigree. He paired with Trent McDuffie in the Chiefs' secondary during their championship-contending years.
2025 season
Watson enjoyed a career year in 2025, hauling in a career-high two interceptions in 15 games and, per PFF cited by the Rams, allowing no touchdown receptions in coverage. His 74.1 overall PFF grade ranked 17th among 114 qualified corners, with a run-defense grade of 83.5 that ranked sixth. He signed with the Rams in March 2026.
Sources
- Rams: 5 things to know about new Rams cornerback Jaylen Watson
- ESPN: Jaylen Watson player page
Statistics
2025 season and career2025 Season · Defense
15 games played▶Defense · career
| Year | Team | GP | TOT | SOLO | SACK | INT | FF | FR | PD |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | rams | 7 | 24 | 14 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 9 |
| 2025 | chiefs | 15 | 64 | 42 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 6 |
| 2024 | chiefs | 6 | 32 | 21 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 6 |
| 2023 | chiefs | 16 | 33 | 28 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 6 |
| 2022 | chiefs | 16 | 49 | 37 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 6 |
Player Profile
Background
- Position
- Cornerback
- Group
- defense
- College
- Washington State
- Hometown
- Augusta, GA, USA
- Age
- 28
- Status
- active
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