Three years ago, the Los Angeles Rams set out to remake their offensive line – arguably the weakest part of the team. They did so by signing Andrew Whitworth and John Sullivan, simultaneously keeping Rodger Saffold at left guard and Rob Havenstein at right tackle.
Whitworth’s arrival was the biggest difference-maker for the Rams in 2017, elevating the offensive line from arguably the worst unit in the NFL to one of the best. Now three years later, the Rams have a decision to make on Whitworth.
He’s coming off an up-and-down season in which he committed the 14th-most penalties by an offensive lineman, but also only allowed one sack. With no quality options to replace Whitworth in 2020, the Rams have to hope they can retain him for another year.
It seems a reunion could happen with Whitworth saying he wants to play another season, and that the Rams are his top choice. But will the two sides come to an agreement?
- 2019 stats: 1,098 snaps, 14 penalties, 1 sack allowed, 94% pass-block win rate (2nd among tackles)
- PFF grade: 72.8 overall
Analysis
Whitworth was by no means perfect last season. It was hardly a banner year for the veteran left tackle, but it wasn’t a bad season, either. Sure, he got off to a slow start with new teammates next to him at left guard and center, but he turned things around as the year went on.
He only allowed one sack all year, which is impressive – especially considering the competition he faced: Nick Bosa, Jadeveon Clowney, Robert Quinn, Chandler Jones. Too often Whitworth was caught holding or committed a false start penalty, but a handful of the calls were questionable.
Whitworth has stabilized the offensive line since he got to L.A. in 2017, and also been an important presence in the locker room and in the huddle. He gives Jared Goff comfort that his blindside is going to be blocked, which goes a long way for a quarterback.
Going on 38 years old, Whitworth is no longer in his prime, but he’s still an above-average left tackle – even after losing a step.
Positional need: Medium
Outside of quarterback, left tackle is probably the most important position on offense; some would argue it’s the second-most important on an NFL roster. Finding a quality one is difficult, which is why the Rams’ O-line struggled for so many years.
The Rams have options to replace Whitworth if he doesn’t return, but not any that make you feel great about the situation. Joseph Noteboom is being groomed as his heir, while Havenstein and Bobby Evans could also be options at left tackle.
The Rams have greater needs at center and guard, but if Whitworth leaves in free agency, it’ll be a challenge to find someone with his talent this offseason.
Prediction: Signs one-year, $8.5 million deal with Rams
Whitworth’s previous contract with the Rams paid him $11.25 million per year. He had a cap hit of $16.7 million in 2019 alone after it was about $9 million in the previous two years. He won’t make $11 million again in 2020 if the Rams extend him, because the team shouldn’t feel inclined to give him that much for just one season.
The more likely scenario is Whitworth signing a one-year extension worth less than $10 million, likely in the range of $8-9 million. It should be an incentive-filled deal that rewards him for the Rams making the playoffs and for him playing 16 games, which could drive the total cost near $10 million.
I think the Rams feel good about Whitworth playing one more year and then handing the job to someone like Noteboom in 2021, leading them to sign the veteran to an extension.