Andrew Whitworth Won't Retire, Reportedly Wants to Return to Rams in 2020

Veteran left tackle Andrew Whitworth plans to return for the 2020 season and reportedly wants to do so with the Los Angeles Rams.

Whitworth confirmed his intention to return in a text message to Albert Breer of The MMQB.

"Still love playing," Whitworth told Breer. "Kids still love watching me play. They (the kids) wanted me to go one more."

Ian Rapoport of NFL.com first reported the 38-year-old would "put off retirement for another year" after undergoing ankle surgery and "is feeling great."

Rapoport noted Whitworth is a free agent, but there is "confidence" the two sides can work out a deal "without incident."

Whitworth is a four-time Pro Bowler and two-time All-Pro selection who has been with the Rams the last three seasons after spending the first 11 years of his career on the Cincinnati Bengals.

While there may be some concern he is past his prime, he has been a durable force who appeared in 14 or more games in each of the last 11 seasons.

Rapoport called him the Rams' "best option" at left tackle for the 2020 campaign as they look to bounce back from a 9-7 effort in 2019. They missed the playoffs entirely after representing the NFC in the Super Bowl the previous season but will have some stability up front as they compete against the San Francisco 49ers and Seattle Seahawks in the NFC West.

Whitworth earned a solid 72.8 grade in 2019 from Pro Football Focus and was a key part of an offensive line that was the best in the league in pass protection, per Football Outsiders.

He will look to replicate that in 2020 in Los Angeles.