Random Ramsdom: Re-signing Whitworth was the Rams’ smartest move this offseason

Looking back on this offseason, the L.A. Rams certainly made a lot of moves. Some familiar faces are gone while plenty of new faces will soon fill up the locker room. Gone are the likes of Todd Gurley, Dante Fowler Jr., and Brandin Cooks. All three were impact players for this team. But maybe above the decisions to move on from those three was the decision to re-sign the oldest player on the team in Andrew Whitworth.

If you’re Kristopher Knox of Bleacher Report, then you also agree with that take.

According to Knox — who recently published his list of “smartest moves” by every NFL team — the Rams decision to sign the 38-year old veteran was a big one.

“While Whitworth may no longer be the upper-echelon tackle he once was—he was responsible for 14 penalties in 2019, according to Pro Football Focus—he still knows how to keep a quarterback clean. He allowed just one sack this past season.”

“His return will be huge for quarterback Jared Goff, both because Whitworth is a great pass protector and because the Rams had no enticing alternatives. The free-agent market was bare at left tackle, and Los Angeles didn’t have a first-round pick because of the Jalen Ramsey trade.”

Knox is correct that the left tackle market was essentially as dry as it gets at the time. As of this moment, the best tackle still on the market is another 38-year old veteran that’s somehow also defying Father Time in Jason Peters. Coming in second is Kelvin Beachum, who played respectably with the New York Jets over the last three seasons and would easily make a team better that’s in search of tackle help.

I’m not sure how much of this three-year contract Whitworth will actually play, but getting even just one more good year out of the stalwart blocker could pay huge dividends for this team, especially in terms of the development of the young tackles on the roster.

Now for some links.

Rams News:

Rams are opening SoFi Stadium on Aug. 14 against the New Orleans Saints (TheRams.com)

Stu Jackson discusses Sean McVay’s plans for when the team is able to get back on the field (TheRams.com)

Cameron DaSilva tries to wrap his mind around how DT Aaron Donald can still be underrated (The Rams Wie)

Larry Brake thinks the disgust over the new uniforms will soon fade (Ramblin’ Fan)

Gary Klein highlights the progress being made by the Rams on CB Jalen Ramsey’s extension (L.A. Times)

NFL News:

Jadeveon Clowney reportedly turned down big money from the Cleveland Browns (Pro Football Talk)

Jason La Canfora discusses why the NFL should help bring back the XFL (CBS Sports)

Rich Cimini talks with OT Kelvin Beachum about his offseason workout plans and diets (ESPN)

Jay Glazer’s latest NFL mailbag (The Athletic)

Grant Gordon reports that the sky judge proposals were withdrawn ahead of the league meetings (NFL.com)