5 players who could be surprise salary cap casualties for LA Rams

Andrew Whitworth

Release – There is absolutely no question in my mind that Andrew Whitworth was one of the reasons for the LA Rams snapping back into the playoff picture in 2020. And his performance was such that he truly was a leader on the team, both on and off the field. By mid-season, Whitworth had earned the right to be a Pro Bowl discussion, if not earned the spot outright. Then, the unthinkable happened.

Whitworth suffered a knee injury. While everything in him rehabilitated at an almost superhuman pace to come back, it forced three facts into the thinking of the Rams organization. Andrew Whitworth is getting up in years. The Rams were able to get by with an inspired performance at least tackle from Joseph Noteboom.

But last and perhaps worst of all, what will Andrew Whitworth have left in the tank for 2021? ‘Big Whit’ is a hero for the LA Rams. He will keep coming back and delivering as much as he has left in his tank. His return for the NFL Playoffs after just eight weeks out outpaced almost every other player injured in week 10. But his performance when he got back to the football field was noticeably less than before.

Perhaps it’s time to part ways, forcing the Rams’ hand by a far tighter salary cap grip than originally expected. It’s a cold reality that the Rams need to free cap space, and the team can free up a sizeable chunk with Whitworth.  Is it Joseph Noteboom’s time? LA Rams GM Les Snead did not hesitate to endorse him. Some prefer to ride Whitworth to the point where he can no longer play competitively. That seems myopic because that will be paying for a player to watch him struggle. The LA Rams and Andrew Whitworth may opt to part on a high note.