The Los Angeles Rams could very well have a new starting center in 2019. According to NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero, the team did not exercise John Sullivan’s option for 2019, which makes him a free agent on March 13.
That’s not to say the Rams won’t bring him back on a lower salary than the $6.25 million he was set to cost Los Angeles, but he’s set to hit the market next week.
This is a fairly big surprise for Los Angeles, which could also lose Rodger Saffold in free agency. Sean McVay and the coaching staff like 2018 fourth-round pick Brian Allen, but Sullivan was a veteran leader and was a huge help to Jared Goff at the line of scrimmage.
That being said, they do save $6.25 million by not having to pay him in 2019, which could help them bring back Saffold at left guard.
Sullivan, 33, struggled down the stretch in 2018, particularly in pass protection. He was Pro Football Focus’ 31st-ranked center last season and looked like he was wearing down.
Allen is a viable replacement for Sullivan, as are several prospects in the draft, specifically Garrett Bradbury. Sullivan was a key piece of the offensive line, which featured the same five starters for all 19 games in 2018, but his career is nearing its end.
