The Los Angeles Rams fell short of making the playoffs in 2019 but they received some fantastic news on Tuesday. According to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network, Andrew Whitworth is putting off retirement and intends to play in 2020.
Good news for the #Rams: Left tackle Andrew Whitworth will put off retirement for another year & is expected to return for 2020, sources say. He had surgery to clean out his ankle, is feeling great, and wants to play at 38. He’s also the team’s best option at LT for next season.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) February 4, 2020
Throughout this season, it was well-documented how poorly the Rams offensive line performed. But even at 38-years-old, Whitworth was still the most reliable offensive linemen for Los Angeles at left tackle.
Prior to the 2017 season, Whitworth signed a three-year deal that was worth $33.75 million to become the starting left tackle for the Rams. In his first year in Los Angeles, the veteran left tackle was named to his second All-Pro team and made his fourth Pro Bowl.
Over the past two seasons, Whitworth has shown that his age is catching up with him. However, Whitworth remains as one of the league's most reliable left tackles as he nears the end of his career.
Despite his current age, Whitworth underwent ankle surgery in the offseason and feels remarkable. Instead of choosing to retire, the All-Pro tackle wants to play in his 15th season in the NFL. More specifically, it appears he wants to end his career with the Rams.
This offseason, Whitworth is set to become an unrestricted free agent. Given the current state of the Rams offensive line, re-signing Whitworth should be a priority for the 2018 NFC Champions.
Along with bringing back Whitworth, it would be wise for Los Angeles to draft his eventual replacement in this year's draft. The Rams made a mistake letting Rodger Saffold walk in free agency last offseason and they shouldn't do the same with Whitworth.
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