Andrew Whitworth is one of 10 Rams who are set to become unrestricted free agents in a couple of months as his three-year contract with Los Angeles comes to an end. It’s been a very successful tenure for Whitworth, who made his first career postseason appearance, was a Pro Bowler and All-Pro and even reached the Super Bowl.
Being 38 years old, retirement is certainly on the horizon for Whitworth. But he wants to continue playing in 2020, saying as much after the Rams’ Week 16 loss to the 49ers.
“My intention is to play football. We’ll see if it works out,” he said.
With the 2019 season in the books, Whitworth has some time to reflect on his future in the NFL and with the Rams. If he does return for another season in 2020, it’s clear which team he wants to play for.
“Hopefully, the opportunity will be here,” Whitworth told Gary Klein of the L.A. Times on Monday. “Obviously, anytime you’re a free agent, you’ve got to listen to everything and figure out what’s best for you.
“But of course, for me and my family, being a Ram would be No. 1, without question.”
That’s a pretty strong statement from the veteran left tackle. Even at his age, Whitworth is playing at a high level and remains an above-average player at a premier position.
The Rams don’t have a clear-cut replacement for him, either, which would make his return to Los Angeles that much better for both sides. Money will of course be a factor with the Rams not exactly flush with cap space, but they can create $16.8 million by simply restructuring Jared Goff’s deal.
When asked if he would take a pay cut to stay with the Rams, Whitworth wouldn’t give a firm answer.
“You let all that play out and just figure out where everything is,” he said. “For everyone else you have to speculate. For me, I know the product. I know what I bring and they do, too, so it’s just us finding common ground.”
Free agency will begin in March, so the Rams have some time to work things out with their veteran left tackle. Keeping Whitworth for one more year at a reasonable price would be Option A for the team, giving them another year to find an heir to his throne at left tackle.
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