Rams' $34 million veteran may have just played his last snap for Los Angeles

Los Angeles Rams veteran right tackle Rob Havenstein tried to return for the team's crushing NFC Championship Game loss to the Seattle Seahawks. However, the nagging high-ankle sprain that limited him to just seven contests during the regular season proved too much to overcome.

The Rams opened Havenstein's practice window ahead of their 31-27 defeat in Seattle. Alas, there wasn't enough time for him to get healthy enough to suit up. It's a bitter ending for Los Angeles' longest-tenured player on the roster, who's notably slated for unrestricted free agency this offseason.

There were questions about Havenstein, who turns 34 in May, retiring following the 2024 campaign. He admittedly didn't put much thought into the idea at the time, but with no contractual assurances beyond 2025, does that change this go-round? If not, will the Rams re-sign him?

Rams OT Rob Havenstein's future in Los Angeles is as murky as ever

Whether he hangs up the cleats or the Rams move on, it feels like Havenstein's future with the club is in serious jeopardy. Despite being a beloved member of the organization and a respected leader in the locker room as a four-time captain, his injury history is concerning. Can Los Angeles justify paying and committing a spot to him on the 53-man squad?

Havenstein has missed 19 games since 2023. He underwent surgery on both shoulders after last season. The wear and tear on his body is ostensibly catching up to him, and that doesn't figure to improve with age.

Meanwhile, Spotrac's calculated market value projects Havenstein to secure a one-year deal worth roughly $10.3 million on the open market in the coming months. The Rams have the cap space to retain him if he decides to continue playing, though his durability (or lack thereof) and decline complicate matters.

Once one of the NFL's most underappreciated offensive linemen, Havenstein's production has regressed in the later stages of what's been a great 11-year career. His 56.4 overall Pro Football Focus grade ranked 74th out of 89 qualified tackles. He was even worse as a pass-blocker (45.2), allowing 22 pressures and six quarterback hits across 462 snaps.

Protecting star signal-caller Matthew Stafford, assuming he also doesn't step away from the game, is the Rams' top priority. Sadly, Havenstein may not be up for the task.