The Los Angeles Rams finally makes a huge move in free agency. As expected, the team needed to address the concerns of the offensive line, and thats exactly what they did with signing a new offensive left tackle. Rams agreed to acquire Andrew Whitworth formerly of the Cincinnati Bengals with a deal for three years $36 million with $15 million guaranteed, including $2.5 million guarantee in his second year of his deal. The deal will pay more than $13 million in first season and $24.5 million over the course of his deal.
The team has only around $20 million of cap space after they placed the non-exclusive franchised tag on veteran cornerback Trumaine Johnson, and need to shop very diligently. Rumors have recently circulated the team has shopped Johnson and remain optimistic that a trade can be made to absorb Johnson’s contract. If this works out, Rams will free up cap space to potentially target more quality free agents to acquire.
The Rams finally struck a move one day later, after several teams had already signed big name free agents to principal deals on the eve of legal tampering day. The biggest shock was the San Francisco 49ers agreeing to principal with veteran Washington Redskin receiver Pierre Garcon’, after they knew he was highly being sought by the Rams. Other notable names that were moved, were Arizona Cardinals DL Calais Campbell to Jacksonville Jaguars, WR Brandon Marshall released by the New York Jets was claimed by the New York Giants, and Arizona Cardinals S Tony Jefferson to agree with the Baltimore Ravens.
Whitworth was drafted by the Bengals in the second round of 2006 NFL Draft out of LSU. The 6’7”330lb left tackle is a polished seasoned veteran the Rams needs to protect the blindside of Jared Goff. He has protected the likes of Carson Palmer and Andy Dalton, he will bring much needed experience to a offensive line that was the worst in the NFL in 2016.
Negotiations seemed to break down with Whitworth and Bengals as it was rumored that they organization were lowballing him. To Say the least he was able to test the market and landed as a splash to the Rams organization. Rams fans has heard the news and joy is spreading across the social media.
Rams are expected to make more moves today, expect to see some roster moves of players being released or contracts to be restructured. Sean McVay free agency has started with a loud bang after being quiet the last several days.
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