Although John Sullivan may have had another year on his deal, it appears the Los Angeles Rams will go in a different direction for the 2019 NFL season.
Head coach Sean McVay had brought Sullivan along from the Washington Redskins prior to the 2017 NFL season. He has since served as the starting center for the Rams’ revamped offensive line.
However, Los Angeles has a number of voids to fill this offseason if they want to maintain their high-powered roster. It seems that they will have to part ways with Sullivan in order to do so.
According to NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero, the Rams will not exercise his option for the 2019 campaign:
This is interesting: The Rams did not exercise veteran center John Sullivan’s 2019 option, sources say. He’s 33 but hasn’t missed a start the past two seasons. One of NFL’s smartest guys up front, now about to hit the market.
The decision to not exercise Sullivan’s option may come as a bit of a surprise. The veteran has served as a stabilizing factor for a Rams offensive line that has improved drastically since his arrival.
It is safe to say that Los Angeles is looking to usher in some younger alternatives to shore up quarterback Jared Goff’s protection. Andrew Whitworth has indicated that the 2019 campaign will be his last and Rodger Saffold is no longer with the organization after reportedly signing with the Tennessee Titans.
Sullivan’s departure will make way for second-year pro Brian Allen to step up as the potential starter. The former fourth-rounder will have some big shoes to fill as an integral member of one of the most high-powered offenses in the league.
