Signing Mike Iupati in free agency could be short-term answer for Los Angeles Rams

Mike Iupati could become a short-term answer for the Los Angeles Rams in free agency if they need to fill some holes on the offensive line.

Isn’t it crazy to think how horrendous the offensive line of the Los Angeles Rams was two years ago before Sean McVay came on board to clean things up by improving the unit?

Looking back at that 2016 season in which Jared Goff failed to win a single game in seven starts, it would be considered a huge understatement to say the offensive line of the Rams was an absolute joke since they couldn’t provide any sort of protection.

Not to mention, as Los Angeles fans remember well, this was the same season in which Todd Gurley failed to record a single 100-yard rushing game, showing once again just how bad the offensive line was.

Flash forward to two years later in which the Rams are currently in the offseason as NFC champions after coming up short in Super Bowl 53 to the New England Patriots with an offensive line that has been pretty strong overall, mainly due to the presence of Andrew Whitworth.

Back in 2017 when McVay was first hired as the new head coach, one of the first big moves he made was convince Whitworth to come on board after the veteran spent all those years as a member of the Cincinnati Bengals.

However, between the possibility of Whitworth, who will be the 38 by the end of next season, retiring along with Rodger Saffold becoming a free agent, Los Angeles could be in a similar situation as two years ago when it comes to the offensive line needing improvement.

While the Rams currently have a young group of candidates to step up along with the fact that this year’s draft will consist of plenty of talent to choose from, if the team were to consider a short-term approach, Mike Iupati is a name worth keeping an eye on in the coming weeks.

After the Arizona Cardinals decided to void the final year of the veteran’s contract following four seasons with the team, Iupati is scheduled to hit the open market with the hope of gaining interest from teams looking to fill their need on the offensive line.

Numerous injuries from the last two seasons along with the fact the he’s turning 32 in May could make things difficult for Iupati to receive a hefty contract he may desire, which could work to the advantage of the Rams.

Of course, the biggest factor of this scenario involving Iupati will come down to where the offensive line for Los Angeles currently stands once free agency gets underway since this move would seem unlikely financially if Whitworth or Saffold were still part of the picture.

Still, when it comes to all this free agency talk for a team like the Rams, it’s important to consider all options at every position, no matter what.