:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/54086091/93341528.0.jpg)
Per NFL Media’s Ian Rapoport, the Rams have officially signed C John Sullivan, the former long-time Minnesota Viking:
After years with the #Vikings, C John Sullivan spent last year in Washington with now-#Rams coach Sean McVay. He can help teach the system
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) April 5, 2017
At 31-years old and similarly to recent left tackle signing Andrew Whitworth, Sullivan obviously doesn’t offer the Rams a long-term solution at center. Sullivan has been a very good player in the past, though. He had some good stints in Minnesota as he spent seven years there and played for Washington last season as a backup. The issue lies with his health, as he has had some injury concerns in the past. It’s fair to wonder if he can turn in a 16-game season, which could certainly be huge for the Rams if they’re unable or unwilling to draft an NFL-ready center in the 2017 NFL Draft.
Playing for Washington last season, Sullivan offers more familiarity for Rams Head Coach Sean McVay and company and offers them a stop-gap veteran solution at a position that has been problematic for the Rams for over a decade. If Sullivan can return to a steady presence at center, it will only help QB Jared Goff and RB Todd Gurley.