The Los Angeles Rams’ offensive line was ranked 15th by Pro Football Focus (PFF) last season.
The Rams’ offensive line is one of the most overlooked reasons the team is considered a Super Bowl favorite, but they may still need help this season. After longtime Ram, Rob Havenstein retired and Alaric Jackson is facing legal troubles, the Rams may need additional help on the offensive line.
Should the Rams Sign a Veteran Lineman Before the Start of the Season?
While the offensive line might still be solid, adding a veteran player like Taylor Decker or Kevin Zeitler could benefit the team in numerous ways.
A veteran could provide valuable depth, especially during a long season as the Super Bowl favorites. Their experience can bring insights gained from other franchises and coaches that could help benefit the team. Lastly, they can also serve as mentors to the younger players, improving their growth and knowledge of the game.
The Rams drafted Keagen Trost in the third round in this year’s draft out of the University of Missouri. He is listed as the backup right tackle behind Warren McClendon Jr. who was drafted in the fifth round in the 2023 draft out of Georgia. McClendon Jr. is in the last year of his contract, with no indication of an extension. If Trost becomes a starter next year, this year could be pivotal for him. Any veteran advice could be useful for the rookie and might send him on a Hall of Fame trajectory.
There are a limited number of options remaining on in the free agent market but adding a veteran lineman such as Decker or Zeitler could prove to be an important move, especially in the playoffs.
Taylor Decker
Longtime Detroit Lions veteran, Taylor Decker, is the best option in free agency. Decker spent all 10 seasons of his career with the Lions before they granted his release in March. While Decker isn’t a superstar lineman, he can provide a lot to the team.
As the 16th overall pick in the 2016 draft, Decker was a blue-chip lineman coming out of college. Decker’s professional career has been solid, to say the least. Decker has only allowed five sacks in a season twice during his career.
Decker has strengths in anchoring the defense. He rarely gets beaten by pass rushers and he’s great at recognizing blitzes and other tactics. He is a true veteran and can make pre-snap adjustments and protection calls. Primarily as a tackle, he is also great at sealing the edge and understands levels and angles.
Last season, he played in 14 games because of a shoulder injury but still allowed only three sacks. While he was a valued member of the Lions, Decker asked for a release after a breakdown in contract negotiations.
If the Rams are looking for an affordable veteran on a one-year option, Decker is the best option.
Kevin Zeitler
Kevin Zeitler is another veteran who could be a great addition for at least a year. Zeitler is a 15-year veteran who has played for six franchises.
At age 36, Zeitler is in the final years of his career. While he hasn’t been signed yet, he is a capable lineman who can be a great addition.
Over the past five seasons, he has allowed only 13 sacks. After spending last season with the Tennessee Titans on a one-year, $9 million contract, the Rams could likely sign him to an affordable one-year contract.
Several years ago, Zeitler was a coveted player. His time with the Baltimore Raven made him a top free agent in 2023. In 2024, he signed with the Lions after the team finished as one of the best offensive lines in the NFL. Last season, he played with the Titans – one of the worst teams in the league.
Zeitler’s combination of starts and pass protection make him a great candidate to be a Ram. He excels at recognizing plays and has a strong point of attack which rarely allows him to be overmatched. He is also one of the most durable lineman of his generation and despite his age, he should be able to play majority of the games.
If the Rams sign Zeitler, they would add valuable veteran depth to the offensive line, and his expected cost makes him an attractive option for a team viewed as the Super Bowl favorite.
