While the Los Angeles Rams can credit their successful 2021 season to their incredible play on both sides of the football, one group that does not get enough credit is the offensive line.
After a disjointed showing in the 2020 campaign, the Rams O-line bounced back and became one of the best groups in the NFL. It was no surprise that as soon as free agency officially began, Los Angeles made sure to retain some of their key linemen.
On the first day alone, the Rams re-signed tackle Joseph Noteboom, center Brian Allen, and backup interior lineman Coleman Shelton. However, they saw starting guard Austin Corbett leave for the Carolina Panthers, via Mike Garafolo of NFL Network:
New #Panthers G Austin Corbett gets a three-year deal for $29.25 million, source says. Former #Rams second-rounder cashes in and heads east.
— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) March 15, 2022
Corbett was a former second-round pick of the Cleveland Browns and was traded to the Rams for a fifth-round pick in the middle of the 2019 season. Corbett started seven out of his eight first games with Los Angeles and during 2021, started for them the entire year.
With Los Angeles trying to clear the necessary cap to sign Matthew Stafford and Aaron Donald to lucrative extensions, Corbett was unfortunately a cap casualty that they will surely miss. However, their re-signing of Shelton speaks to their confidence that they can possibly groom him to take over for Corbett at guard.
Assuming Andrew Whitworth ultimately retires, the Rams offensive line will likely consist of Rob Havenstein, David Edwards, Noteboom, Allen and Shelton. Protecting Stafford is going to be of the utmost importance, and the front office has to feel confident in the players on the roster to get the job done if they let Corbett go.
