Los Angeles Rams re-sign Andrew Whitworth: Grade, reaction and more
By John Buhler
Offensive tackle Andrew Whitworth plans to play in the NFL at least until he’s 40, as he has signed a three-year deal to re-up with the Los Angeles Rams.
Andrew Whitworth really wants to win a Super Bowl. And apparently, he wants to do that with the Los Angeles Rams before he inevitably retires. However, that will not be until at least the end of the 2022 NFL season, as Whitworth has agreed to a three-year deal to stay put with the Rams.
ESPN’s Adam Schefter reports it was a three-year deal for Whitworth to re-up with Los Angeles. NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero reports we’re looking at roughly $10 million annually for Whitworth’s services to remain in Los Angeles. Pelissero’s colleague Ian Rapoport confirms it is a $30 million that could go up to $37.5 million with $12.5 million of that being fully guaranteed.
Whitworth is a four-time Pro Bowler and a two-time First-Team All-Pro. After spending 11 seasons with the team that drafted him in the Cincinnati Bengals, Whitworth has made a new home for himself in Los Angeles. He has been responsible for keeping quarterback Jared Goff upright for the last three seasons. Here is three more great years out of the star tackle.
Here are the contract details, national reaction and grade for Whitworth re-upping with the Rams.
Contract Details
Per Schefter, it is a three-year contract for Whitworth. Pelissero reports it will be around $10 million annually. Rapoport later reported it is a $30 million deal that may go as high as $37.5 million, $12.5 million guaranteed. It is the biggest signed by a non-quarterback over the age of 35 in NFL history. Let that sink in for a minute.
National Reactions
Rams re-signed OT Andrew Whitworth to a three-year contract.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 18, 2020
Full details not in yet, but my understanding is Whitworth gets more than $10 million a year. https://t.co/NsmYTHkNnw
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) March 18, 2020
The #Rams are giving LT Andrew Whitworth a 3-year deal worth $30M, source said. He can get up to $37.5M — $12.5M fully guaranteed. It's the highest paying contract signed by 35+ year old non-QB in NFL history.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 18, 2020
Andrew Whitworth turns 39 in December. He'd be 41 at the end of this contract. https://t.co/lZ2E2VnNNX
— Jeff Eisenband (@JeffEisenband) March 18, 2020
LT Andrew Whitworth returns to the Rams. He's 38, but few O-linemen have ever been more durable. He has started every single game LA was trying to win since he arrived in 2017. He hasn't missed an NFL game due to injury since Halloween 2013. He's only missed 2 since 2008.
— Greg Beacham (@gregbeacham) March 18, 2020
Despite being in his late 30s, the national media likes seeing Whitworth doing back to the Rams. Even though he hasn’t been a Pro Bowler the last two years, Whitworth has played in and started in 47 of the Rams’ 48 regular-season games over the last three seasons. He is an iron man out there at left tackle and hopes to remain that through this new contract he just signed.
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Ultimately, it’s difficult to project what Whitworth will be like in a few years. He could fall off a cliff physically or he could play like the future Pro Football Hall of Famer he is. Goff and head coach Sean McVay should be happy Whitworth is coming back.
However, a three-year contract to a veteran offensive lineman that will run past his 41st birthday in December 2021 is a tad scary. Regardless, he is now the highest paid non-quarterback over the age of 35 in NFL history. The Rams really value the guy and put their money where their mouth is.