- Joined
- Jan 14, 2013
- Messages
- 13,435
- Name
- Vernon
http://theramswire.usatoday.com/201...-signings-2017-andrew-whitworth-robert-woods/
Outside of Jacksonville, the Rams may have had the best offseason of any team in 2017. In addition to bringing on Sean McVay and Wade Phillips, the Rams overhauled their roster by way of the draft, free agency and a big trade for Sammy Watkins.
In all, nine new starters were brought in by Los Angeles, which certainly helped the Rams earn that stellar 11-5 record and NFC West crown.
Looking at their free agency class, in particular, the offense was greatly helped. John Sullivan was an underrated signing at center, while Andrew Whitworth and Robert Woods paid huge dividends in Year 1. Whitworth and Woods were so impactful that ESPN actually ranked them among the five best free-agent signings in the NFL last offseason.
Here’s what Dan Graziano had to say about L.A. signing Andrew Whitworth:
One of the things new Rams coach Sean McVay wanted to do to help Goff make strides in his second season was to shore up his protection. So the team made a big offer to the then-35-year-old Whitworth. They guaranteed him $15 million, including a $2.5 million roster bonus in 2018, to lure him out of Cincinnati. He helped solidify the line in front of Goff and Todd Gurley as the Rams raced to a surprise NFC West title.
Just about everyone expected Whitworth to thrive with the Rams. Despite being 35 years old, he was a safe acquisition, given his track record as an All-Pro left tackle with the Bengals. Woods, however, was not as big of a sure thing for the Rams.
He was more of a No. 2 receiver with the Bills, proving to be a good blocker but just an average receiver. The Rams took a chance on Woods by giving him $34 million, and it paid off in a huge way. Despite missing four games, Woods finished third in receptions, third in yards and hauled in five touchdown catches.
At this point, Woods looks like a huge bargain at just under $7 million per year for five seasons. If he can continue to produce 65 yards per game as he did in 2017, he’ll remain the Rams’ No. 1 receiver.
Outside of Jacksonville, the Rams may have had the best offseason of any team in 2017. In addition to bringing on Sean McVay and Wade Phillips, the Rams overhauled their roster by way of the draft, free agency and a big trade for Sammy Watkins.
In all, nine new starters were brought in by Los Angeles, which certainly helped the Rams earn that stellar 11-5 record and NFC West crown.
Looking at their free agency class, in particular, the offense was greatly helped. John Sullivan was an underrated signing at center, while Andrew Whitworth and Robert Woods paid huge dividends in Year 1. Whitworth and Woods were so impactful that ESPN actually ranked them among the five best free-agent signings in the NFL last offseason.
Here’s what Dan Graziano had to say about L.A. signing Andrew Whitworth:
One of the things new Rams coach Sean McVay wanted to do to help Goff make strides in his second season was to shore up his protection. So the team made a big offer to the then-35-year-old Whitworth. They guaranteed him $15 million, including a $2.5 million roster bonus in 2018, to lure him out of Cincinnati. He helped solidify the line in front of Goff and Todd Gurley as the Rams raced to a surprise NFC West title.
Just about everyone expected Whitworth to thrive with the Rams. Despite being 35 years old, he was a safe acquisition, given his track record as an All-Pro left tackle with the Bengals. Woods, however, was not as big of a sure thing for the Rams.
He was more of a No. 2 receiver with the Bills, proving to be a good blocker but just an average receiver. The Rams took a chance on Woods by giving him $34 million, and it paid off in a huge way. Despite missing four games, Woods finished third in receptions, third in yards and hauled in five touchdown catches.
At this point, Woods looks like a huge bargain at just under $7 million per year for five seasons. If he can continue to produce 65 yards per game as he did in 2017, he’ll remain the Rams’ No. 1 receiver.
