As important as it is for the Rams to address their needs on defense with Cory Littleton and Dante Fowler Jr. hitting free agency, the offensive line might be their biggest hole. It will worsen if Andrew Whitworth retires or leaves in free agency, too, forcing the Rams to find a replacement.
That’s easier said than done, given the importance (and cost) of the left tackle position. They have time to sort it all out, but cap space and draft capital aren’t on their side.
Here are all of the Rams’ top options at left tackle in 2020.
Re-sign Andrew Whitworth
This is probably the top option for the Rams. While he is 38 years old, his play hasn’t declined enough for the Rams to be steadfast on letting him walk. He had the second-best pass block win rate of any offensive tackle last season and only allowed one sack all year on 1,097 snaps played. Whitworth did commit 14 penalties, but he can clean up that part of his game in 2020.
The biggest question with re-signing Whitworth is the cost. He was making $11.25 million per year on his previous contract with the Rams, but being 38, he’d probably have to take less next season. If Los Angeles can keep him for $9 million for one season, it’d be a wise decision.