Rams solidify LT with Andrew Whitworth signingAlden Gonzalez
LOS ANGELES -- Early Thursday morning, hours before unrestricted free agents can formally sign with other teams, the Los Angeles Rams addressed their most pressing need: protecting quarterback Jared Goff's blind side.
The Rams have agreed to terms with veteran left tackle Andrew Whitworth, solidifying a position that has been a problem for quite a while. Whitworth, 35, has spent his previous 11 seasons with the Cincinnati Bengals and has gone to the Pro Bowl three times. Now he joins the Rams, whose offensive line struggled mightily to protect Goff or open up holes for running back Todd Gurley throughout the 2016 season.
Terms: Three years for $36 million, with $15 million guaranteed, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter. In Year 2, $2.5 million is guaranteed.
ESPN 150 ranking: 16th (second among tackles)
Grade: The Rams get an A for this, and the cost doesn't mean all that much. That's how important the left tackle position is. For three years, they tried to make it work with Greg Robinson, the No. 2 overall pick from 2014, and they clearly needed to move on. And considering what they gave up to select Goff first overall in last year's draft, it was crucial that they brought in somebody who can protect him. Keep in mind: Goff was sacked 25 times over the last six games last season, including seven in the regular-season finale. That can't continue to happen. Whitworth was the best left tackle available -- Rick Wagner, rated higher than him, plays on the right side -- and the Rams did what it took to get him. Good on them.
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