It took awhile for Rodger Saffold to get comfortable in the NFL. The former second-round pick enjoyed early success at left tackle, being named to multiple All-Rookie teams, but a subsequent injury hindered his development, leading to inconsistent play protecting the quarterback's blind side over the next few seasons. But Saffold kicked into guard full-time beginning in 2014, and has since emerged as one of the best interior offensive lineman in football.

The 30-year-old is a free agent this offseason, and told Joe Curley of USA TODAY that “of course” he hopes to re-sign with the Los Angeles Rams, the only franchise he's ever suited up for since entering the league in 2010.

Saffold's decision in free agency won't be left to him alone, though. His family will have a powerful say in the matter, too, and Saffold left open the possibility that, that factor, among others, could lead to him playing elsewhere going forward.

“I'm sure that there will be conversations in the near future, but at the end of the day, definitely not how I wanted to end my possible last game with this team,” he said at the Rams' facility on Tuesday. “But for me, now it's time to think about what's gonna be right for me and my family, and wherever that path may lead there's no ill will to this team whatsoever.”

Saffold played a key role for the NFL's second-best offense in 2018, starting every game at left guard while helping quarterback Jared Goff and running back Todd Gurley establish themselves as two of the league's brightest young stars. Pro Football Focus ranks him as the second-best interior lineman on the free-agent market this offseason.