The offensive line needs to be a key focus for the Los Angeles Rams during the offseason after the unit underperformed during the 2022 season.
Injuries are the main reason the o-line didn’t live up to the Rams’ usual standards, but there were still clear signs that they had dropped off significantly during their Super Bowl LVI run. Matthew Stafford didn’t have nearly enough time on most passing downs to let plays develop downfield, while the run game also struggled to pick up chunk yardage.
Offense has never been a problem for the Rams under Sean McVay, but after last season it wouldn’t be surprising to see him and the front office look to bolster their offensive lineman room. Fortunately for them, they’ll be getting most of their presumed starters back and healthy for the 2023 year but that doesn’t guarantee improved play.
Free agency could be an option for the team to find help and an intriguing name to monitor is Taylor Lewan, who was recently cut by the Tennessee Titans. Lewan is a quality veteran left tackle who has plenty of experience and has actually previously expressed interest in playing for Los Angeles on his podcast “Bussin’ with the Boys,” via HoldenCantor:
Taylor Lewan said a month ago on @BussinWTB hypothetically if he were to get cut, the LA #Rams would be a team he would be interested in. (H/t: @johnnyaguilera ) pic.twitter.com/E3QWVn2Qmb
— HoldenCantor (@HoldenCantor) February 23, 2023
Lewan also said he thinks LA Rams would be a lot of fun and Sean McVay is a f***ing stud. pic.twitter.com/5Q0gsv3lYC
— HoldenCantor (@HoldenCantor) February 23, 2023
Lewan could immediately step in and become the Rams’ starting left tackle considering their other options are either Joseph Noteboom or Alaric Jackson. Noteboom will be coming off a torn Achilles injury while Jackson is expected to be healthy after being shut down due to blood clots.
Although Lewan would be a great get for L.A., they will be limited in how much money they could offer him due to their bloated cap sheet. The Rams likely won’t be able to compete with most offers and there should be plenty of interest in Lewan, who remains effective despite being past his prime and coming off a significant knee injury.
Of course, the front office has always found ways to be creative with their cap space situation so it’s not necessarily impossible for them to find a way to clear enough room to make a competitive offer for Lewan. With free agency just around the corner, it should be fun to see if the Rams chase after someone like Lewan.
