LOS ANGELES _ The Los Angeles Rams filled a major hole on their offensive line and added potential depth to their linebacker corps Wednesday, agreeing to terms with veteran center John Sullivan and outside linebacker Carlos Thompson.
Sullivan, 31, played seven seasons for the Minnesota Vikings before sitting out 2015 while recovering from two back surgeries. He played last season for the Washington Redskins, starting one game. Rams coach Sean McVay was the Redskins' offensive coordinator from 2014 to 2016.
Sullivan provides the Rams with an experienced center to help protect quarterback Jared Goff, who was sacked 26 times in seven games as a rookie.
The Rams' search for a center began last month after they released Tim Barnes, the starter the last two seasons. The Rams gave center Ryan Groy a two-year offer sheet, but the Buffalo Bills matched it to keep the 26-year-old restricted free agent.
Sullivan, a sixth-round draft pick from Notre Dame in 2008, is the second veteran addition to a line that needed a significant upgrade. The Rams ranked last in the NFL in offense for the second year in a row.
The Rams signed free-agent tackle Andrew Whitworth to play on the left side, displacing Greg Robinson, the No. 2 pick in the 2014 draft.
New offensive line coach Aaron Kromer will oversee a unit that could include Whitworth starting at left tackle, Rodger Saffold at left guard, Sullivan at center, Rob Havenstein at right guard and Robinson at right tackle.
The 6-foot-5, 243-pound Thompson, 25, played as a reserve defensive end in college at Mississippi. He signed with the Houston Texans as an undrafted free agent in 2015 and played in two games. He was waived last August.
Under new defensive coordinator Wade Phillips, the Rams are switching from a 4-3 defense to a 3-4 scheme. They begin offseason workouts Monday.
