The Los Angeles Rams have been patient in their search for a new center after being foiled by the Buffalo Bills in their attempt to sign Ryan Groy. With the release of Tim Barnes earlier in the offseason, it left a glaring hole on the offensive line.
Fortunately, Los Angeles has now agreed to terms with another veteran center in John Sullivan according to Myles Simmons of Rams:
Los Angeles has agreed to terms with free agent center John Sullivan, helping fill one need along the offensive line.
Sullivan was taken in the sixth round of the 2008 NFL Draft by the Minnesota Vikings and started in every game he played following his rookie season with the team. This includes anchoring the line that helped Adrian Peterson fall just eight yards shy of Eric Dickerson’s single-season rushing record in 2012.
After missing the entire 2015 NFL season due to a back injury, Sullivan was released and signed with the Washington Redskins. Although nothing has been set in stone, his experience in McVay’s offense should provide him with an edge as he looks to fill the team’s current vacancy at center.
There was speculation the Rams might look for another center in this year’s draft. However, Los Angeles is still in need of another playmaker at both the wide receiver and safety positions. Luckily, they can capitalize on this upcoming draft that is loaded with talent even though they do not have a first round pick.
It is still too early to project whether the offensive line has gotten astronomically better, but it is certainly more experienced than it was last year. If they can be productive and healthy, it will pay off huge for both quarterback Jared Goff and running back Todd Gurley.
