LA Rams frugal free agency fix for 2020 offensive line
By Bret Stuter
LA Rams free agent targets Left Guard
Mike Iupati (33) – estimated 2020 cap impact $3.0 million – Mike Iupati is a 6-foot-5 331 pound left guard from the Seattle Seahawks, who started 15 of 16 games in 2019. Iupati has played for the Seahawks, San Francisco 49ers, and Arizona Cardinals in his 10 year career. We had identified Iupati as a solid free agent target for the Rams in 2020, and we are doubling down on that assessment now.
Not only does signing Iupati weaken a division rival, but he brings a solid ability as a plug-n-play offensive lineman who won’t break the bank. And the Rams can give Noteboom a chance to heal, and give Corbett a chance to compete for the role, or migrate to another position on the offensive line.
Ereck Flowers (26) – Estimated 2020 cap impact $3.0 million – Ereck Flowers is a 6-foot-6 330 pound former first round pick (9th) from the New York Giants in the 2015 NFL Draft. While he has never quite developed into the blind side tackle he was projected as from the draft, he is a very versatile offensive lineman – having started at both guards and tackle roles in his NFL career. Flowers started 16 games for the Redskins in 2019. While a bit taller than most teams like at guard, his utility as a plug and play veteran in the prime of his NFL career across multiple positions cannot be overemphasized. He earned $3.25 million on a one-year deal with Washington, but should be signable with a three or four year deal to average at our $3.0 million target.
Not only is Flowers a significant target for the Rams in the 2020 off-season, but he would be able to remain with former Washington offensive coordinator Kevin O’Connell.