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Andrew Whitworth was one of the pillars of the Rams’ rebuilt offensive line in 2017, signing as a free agent after 11 years with the Cincinnati Bengals. He’s been an anchor at left tackle ever since, fortifying a position that gave the Rams issues for several years.
Despite being 38 years old and a pending free agent, Whitworth plans to play another season in 2020. He’s made it clear he wants to return to the Rams, saying that’s his top choice “without question.” The Rams have reciprocated the feeling, with Sean McVay saying he feels “pretty confident” that Whitworth will be back in the fold next season.
GM Les Snead, who’s in charge of constructing the Rams roster and helping manage the cap, is on the same page as McVay. He told J.B. Long on the Rams Revealed podcast this week that while they haven’t finalized anything with Whitworth, the team is confident he’ll return.
“I think it’s a goal of both of ours,” Snead said. “Obviously we haven’t finalized anything yet, but I think both sides can admit that we’d like to continue our relationship. He’s a veteran player and usually when that’s the case – you would say if both sides want to get this done, I think we’ve got a good chance of doing it.”
Keeping Whitworth will go a long way toward the Rams’ offensive line improving after a poor showing in 2019. Though they allowed the fewest sacks in the NFL, Jared Goff was under constant pressure and Todd Gurley’s running lanes were significantly smaller than the previous two years.
But Whitworth isn’t the only pending free agent on the O-line, of course. Austin Blythe will also become a free agent on March 18 and according to ESPN, he’ll test the market. The Rams are hoping to prevent that from happening, though.
Snead said the team is in talks with Blythe but didn’t elaborate on it further.
“It is interesting. We’re in talks with Austin Blythe, but we’ve got to get through the free agency and this is the time of year when a lot of things can change, just because there’s no guarantees, right” Snead said.
Blythe will come significantly cheaper than Whitworth, primarily because he’s not nearly as consistent or reliable as the 38-year-old veteran. But what Blythe does offer is versatility, possessing the ability to play both center and guard, which is valuable.
If Whitworth and Blythe both return, the Rams will at least have some continuity up front heading into a crucial free agency and draft period.
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