After a disappointing 2019 season in which they missed the playoffs, the Los Angeles Rams enter the NFL offseason with plenty of key decisions to make.
The team has already shaken up their coaching staff, parting ways with defensive coordinator Wade Phillips and replacing him with former Denver Broncos outside linebackers coach Brandon Staley.
The Rams additionally hired former Washington Redskins offensive coordinator Kevin O’Connell to the same position and hope to fill out the remainder of their coaching staff in the near future.
As for pending free agents, L.A. has some difficult choices to make in the coming weeks. The likes of Dante Fowler Jr., Cory Littleton, Michael Brockers and Greg Zuerlein are all slated to hit the open market once the new league year begins in March.
Andrew Whitworth can now be added to that list as well, as he is reportedly expected to resume his playing career during the 2020 season, via Ian Rapoport of NFL Network:
Good news for the #Rams: Left tackle Andrew Whitworth will put off retirement for another year & is expected to return for 2020, sources say. He had surgery to clean out his ankle, is feeling great, and wants to play at 38. He’s also the team’s best option at LT for next season.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) February 4, 2020
Whitworth revealed that he decided to return for the 2020 season because his kids still like watching him play, per Albert Breer of The MMQB:
Just texted with Andrew Whitworth, who confirmed he plans to play in '20. Reasoning: "Still love playing. Kids still love watching me play. They (the kids) wanted me to go one more."
He's a UFA. Rams could certainly use him at LT. But market for OL's been bonkers last few years. https://t.co/ww4IFzQcTc
— Albert Breer (@AlbertBreer) February 4, 2020
While offensive tackles are usually hot commodities on the free agent market, the Rams are reportedly confident in their chances of re-signing Whitworth, according to Rapoport:
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
As Rapoport alluded to, Whitworth underwent successful ankle surgery this offseason. He’ll be 38 when the 2020 season begins but showed he still had plenty in the tank as the 2019 season progressed.
Whitworth has been a staple of the Rams offensive line since signing with the franchise in 2017. He earned All-Pro honors that year and was part of a unit that advanced to the Super Bowl the following season.
Whitworth has also been a model of durability since joining the Rams, starting in 47 of 48 regular-season games over his three-year stint with the team.
With so many questions surrounding the offensive line, it would make sense for the Rams to bring back one of their most consistent players for another season, assuming the financials can be worked out. He has already expressed a desire to return to L.A. so there likely won’t be any issues bringing him back.
