LA Rams frugal free agency fix for 2020 offensive line

LA Rams free agent targets Center

Tony Bergstrom (34) – estimated 2020 cap impact $1.0 million – Tony Bergstrom is a 6-foot-5 310 pound offensive linemen for the Washington Redskins.  A veteran of seven season, Bergstrom is an interior line specialist. He has started at both center and a the guards position. In 2019, he started six of 16 games for the Redskins.  Bergstrom signed a one-year deal with the Washington Redskins for $895,000. With the changing of the entire coaching staff there, and significant familiarity of Kevin O’Connell‘s offense, Bergstrom is a logical target for the Rams in the 2020 NFL free agency market.

Bergstrom is not flashy, elite, or All-Pro. But he is definitely a capable NFL starter for several more years who will hold down the position until a younger player ears the starting role directly. And he has strong connections to Rams offensive coordinator Kevin O’Connell, so he would be a logical signing for the team.

Austin Blythe (28) – estimated 2020 cap impact $1.5 million – Austin Blythe is a 6-foot-3 298 pound offensive lineman who had 15 starts for the LA Rams in 2019.  He is the right height and weight to be a solid player for the team at any of the interior line positions and should be given strong consideration to re-sign with the team for a multi-year deal this off-season. The Rams offensive line seemed to be anarchy when the season began, but as the team began to swap out parts, the line seemed to hit bedrock at about mid season. Part of the reason was the play of Blythe at center.

Blythe started the season at right guard, but due to injuries he eventually took over at center and performed better than starting center Brian Allen had. Blythe has four years of experience on the offensive line at all but left tackle positions.  2019 proved just how valuable a versatile lineman can be.  Blythe gets a strong endorsement to be a target for the Rams in 2020 free agency.