Andrew Whitworth is the oldest offensive lineman in the NFL, and at 38 years of age, he plans to keep that title a little while longer. The Los Angeles Rams left tackle is set to become a free agent in March when his three-year contract expires, but there seems to be growing optimism that the two sides will work out a deal for 2020.
According to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network, Whitworth won’t retire this offseason and plans to play next season. furthermore, Rapoport says “there is confidence” the Rams and Whitworth will get a deal done “without incident.”
Andrew Whitworth is a free agent, and the #Rams and his agents at @_SportsTrust would need to work out a contract. There is confidence it will happen without incident. https://t.co/zvteyn7WZ1
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) February 4, 2020
Whitworth said after the season that he didn’t plan to hang up his cleats, indicating a return was on the horizon for 2020. He also said that playing for the Rams would be his top choice next season, allowing him to keep his family in Southern California, where they’ve been for the last three years.
Whitworth played all 16 games last season and while he committed 14 penalties, he only allowed one sack and earned an overall grade of 72.8 from Pro Football Focus.
He did undergo surgery on his right ankle this offseason, but Whitworth has been one of the most durable players in the NFL. He hasn’t missed a game due to injury since 2013 when he was with the Bengals.
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