Andrew Whitworth might be 38 years old, but he’s planning to play another season in 2020 – which will be his 15th in the NFL. Where he’ll be suiting up, however, is still up in the air.
As a pending free agent, Whitworth is set to hit the market in March and there will certainly be suitors for the veteran left tackle. The Los Angeles Rams have seen him play at a high level despite being on the wrong side of 35, allowing just one sack in 2019 and playing nearly every single snap.
It seems the two sides are destined to stay together next season, but the decision will likely come down to the Rams’ feelings rather than Whitworth’s. On SiriusXM NFL Radio this week, Whitworth once again made it clear that he’d love to stay in L.A.
“For me, I think that’s obviously my wish, is to stay in Los Angeles and continue with the Rams,” Whitworth said. “I just think there’s a lot there that I have left to do in leadership and play and everything else. If it works out, great. And if there’s another opportunity somewhere else, I’ll be ready.”
Whitworth got off to a slow start in 2019 with two new faces at left guard and center on the Rams’ offensive line. He no longer had Rodger Saffold next to him, which appeared to impact Whitworth’s play.
He turned it around as the season went on and while his 14 penalties were concerning, he did only surrender one sack and had a PFF grade of 72.8.
With no better options currently on the roster, the Rams would be wise to bring Whitworth back for another season – at the right price. It’s just a matter of determining that price, given their salary cap restrictions.