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Will the Rams consider free agent center Nick Mangold?

By Steve Rivera

Dec 15, 2016; Seattle, WA, USA; Los Angeles Rams quarterback Jared Goff (16) calls a play in a team huddle during a game against the Seattle Seahawks at CenturyLink Field. The Seahawks won 24-3. Mandatory Credit: Troy Wayrynen-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 15, 2016; Seattle, WA, USA; Los Angeles Rams quarterback Jared Goff (16) calls a play in a team huddle during a game against the Seattle Seahawks at CenturyLink Field. The Seahawks won 24-3. Mandatory Credit: Troy Wayrynen-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Los Angeles Rams have an interesting opportunity to address a key need with a veteran center.

It’s intriguing, the Los Angeles Rams and free agent center Nick Mangold. LA has been “center-less” in more ways than one for some time now, but has made strides on the leaky sieve that is their offensive line.

Already, the Rams appear to be better with the addition of Andrew Whitworth. Adding a player like Mangold could move the needle significantly.

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At 33 years of age, the former New York Jets center is on the verge of wrapping up a solid career. A stop in Los Angeles is likely a last one on the NFL trail, but could provide the Rams a potential fill at a critical position, and give Mangold one more good season in the California sun.

Seems win-win, doesn’t it?

It should, but at 33, his best years and ability to play 16 games are squarely in his rear view mirror. But in a league where teams are pretty good at making a calculated risk, Mangold is a smart fit for a team needing some time to figure out a long term plan at his position.

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The seven-time Pro Bowl center was caught off guard when the Jets released him. According to Mangold, who was vacationing at Disney World when New York made their decision to cut the cord, the news was sudden and not what he expected.

A first round pick in 2006 out of Ohio State, the former Jet was due to make $9.075 million in 2017, which was the final year of his contract in New York.

As for the likelihood Mangold signs in Los Angeles is still speculation, but his surprise at being cut is an indicator he planned on playing in 2017. That may bode well for the Rams or any other team looking for a Pro Bowl anchor on their offensive line.

Something in desperate need of in LA.

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