Los Angeles Rams safety Eric Weddle announced on Twitter that he is retiring from the NFL after a 13-year playing career that also featured stops with the San Diego Chargers and Baltimore Ravens.
Weddle signed a two-year contract with the Rams during the 2019 NFL free agency period, returning to Southern California after spending the previous three seasons with the Ravens.
He filled a major void left by Lamarcus Joyner, who went on to sign a four-year contract with the Oakland Raiders.
The former Utah Ute started in all 16 games for the Rams this past season, accumulating 108 tackles and four passes defended. He also earned a solid 69.0 overall grade from Pro Football Focus, which placed him in the top half among qualified safeties.
With John Johnson III expected to return from a shoulder injury and the emergence of rookie safety Taylor Rapp, Weddle first acknowledged the possibility of retirement last December.
He wasn’t keen on the idea of becoming a backup player next season and ultimately decided to walk away from the sport on his own terms.
Over the course of his impressive career, Weddle recorded 29 interceptions, four touchdowns, 98 passes defensed, 9.5 sacks and 1,179 tackles in 201 games (186 starts). His durability was an underrated element of his success. He suited up in all 16 games in 10 of his 13 seasons, appearing in no less than 13 games at any point.
Weddle previously underwent surgery this offseason to repair his meniscus, which marked the first and only operation of his career.
By retiring, the Rams are expected to recuperate all $4.75 million of Weddle’s salary for the 2020 season, in addition to receiving a $500,000 credit.
With limited cap space to begin with, that sum could help the Rams retain one of their key free agents this offseason, whether it be Dante Fowler Jr., Cory Littleton or Andrew Whitworth.
Whitworth recently announced that he is planning on playing in 2020 and prefers to return to the Rams, who he has spent the past three seasons with.
It's been REAL @NFL @Chargers @Ravens @RamsNFL! TEAMMATES, COACHES and others I LOVE y'all. We had a GREAT RUN!!!!! ✌✌#BEARDOUT 🎤 pic.twitter.com/C3VGwnMCc7
— Eric Weddle (@weddlesbeard) February 6, 2020
