The Los Angeles Rams will reportedly sign Cincinnati Bengals offensive tackle Andrew Whitworth to a 3-year, $36 million contract on Thursday, March 9. About $15 million is guaranteed overall and is scheduled to make over $13 million in year one as per NFL Insider Ian Rapoport.
The potential deal comes after the Rams had a relatively quiet start to the offseason. Whitworth, 35, brings the veteran prowess the Rams needed at offensive line, particularly at the left tackle position. Whitworth is widely regarded as the best tackle available in this year’s free agent class, which will help QB Jared Goff’s development.
The Rams are expected to shift last year’s starting left tackle, Greg Robinson, over to guard. Robinson initially started off as a guard with the Rams his rookie season and had some mild success. He will need to earn the role since he will be competing with guys like Rodger Saffold, Cody Wichmann and Jamon Brown.
Whitworth’s signing eliminates a huge need in the offseason, but it also leaves little room to work with in cap space since they used the franchise tag on Trumaine Johnson. Although, rumor has it that the Rams are actively shopping Johnson. The Rams will now need to focus on wide receiver since it has been reported that Kenny Britt is expected to sign the Cleveland Browns.
Source: Twitter.com
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