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Andrew Whitworth is sticking around in Los Angeles for at least one more season after signing a contract extension with the Rams on Wednesday. It’s a three-year deal that keeps Jared Goff’s blindside protector where he’s been for the last three years, a huge re-signing for Los Angeles.
Whitworth’s new contract isn’t exactly a team-friendly one that you’d expect from a 38-year-old, either. He cashed in with a lucrative deal paying him up to $37.5 million.
In fact, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network, it’s the highest-paying contract ever for a non-quarterback over the age of 35.
The #Rams are giving LT Andrew Whitworth a 3-year deal worth $30M, source said. He can get up to $37.5M — $12.5M fully guaranteed. It's the highest paying contract signed by 35+ year old non-QB in NFL history.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 18, 2020
As expensive as the deal might seem, it’s one Whitworth has earned. He’s been a stud for the Rams the last three years, just as he was with the Bengals for the previous 11 years in Cincinnati.
If Whitworth plays out the entire contract, he’ll be 41 years old by the end of it. He’s already the oldest offensive lineman in the NFL, so landing a contract of this length and size is unprecedented.
Considering only $12.5 million is fully guaranteed, though, the Rams will easily be able to get out of it after the first year. Whitworth hasn’t said how long he plans to play, but it’s possible he only sticks around for one more season, anyway.
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