Per one report, LA Rams Rob Havenstein may be on trading block

The LA Rams may be looking to win now. But that does not mean that the team is deaf to the interest in their offensive right tackle, Rob Havenstein. Right now, Havenstein is coming off of a rather productive season. While the team enjoyed his resurgence in 2020, the analytics grade for Havenstein was more favorable than the optics.

And so, a report that Havenstein is considered available via trade is surprising to many, but completely expected by us. In fact, we anticipated this news more than a week ago. So what would compel us to believe that the team, admittedly in win-now mode, would be willing to trade their starting veteran right tackle?

Why indeed.

The LA Rams have amassed quite a stockpile of young talented players, many of who have waited patiently for a chance to compete for playing time for several years. Young players like Bobby Evans, a returning Chandler Brewer, and now second-year Tremayne Anchrum. All three have arguable reasons to have a chance to play a larger role on the offensive line in 2021.

Of course, some will claim that the Rams are by no means ‘set’ at offensive left tackle either. But it was clear that Joseph Noteboom played well enough in a relief role for an injured Andrew Whitworth to be considered the front-runner for any playing time at that position.

So now it comes down to the LA Rams and trading Rob Havenstein. What can the LA Rams expect in return?  Well, Havenstein has two years remaining on his contract. And for all intents and purposes, he has a very affordable contract with salaries of just $6.75 million for 2021, and $7.25 million for 2022.

For any team shopping for an offensive tackle, they are likely to sign one for at that amount for just one year. That gives Havenstein premium value in the NFL marketplace. The Rams could get a round-two pick for him.

Right now, the LA Rams project to lose center Austin Blythe and OL Coleman Shelton to free agency. But the team will have OL Jamil Demby on a future/reserve contract and OT Chandler Brewer back from his year of opting out. Two in, two out. Even steven. If the team is interested in doing so, Shelton is an exclusive restricted free agent and can be signed for a minimal price. Even if the Rams pass on Blythe, they are still up one offensive lineman.

Getting a second-round draft pick for Havenstein is good value, and one I do not believe that the Rams can pass up right now. With two second-round and two third-round picks, the Rams would be in a position to replicate their 2020 NFL Draft results. Right now, it’s just one report. But it does fit the bread crumbs that Les Snead has been dropping,