Rams expected to sign veteran OL

The Rams are set to receive veteran reinforcement along the offensive line. Conor McDermott is expected to sign with Los Angeles, Mike Garafolo of NFL Network reports.

The 31-year-old is a veteran of 17 starts during his seven-year career. 11 of those came with the Patriots over the past two seasons during his second stint with the franchise that drafted him. McDermott’s notable workload in recent times was not enough to earn him an extended stay with New England for 2024, though.

The former sixth-rounder was released in April, leaving him free to find a deal in the post-draft wave of free agency. McDermott needed to wait until well into training camp to secure his next contract, allowing him to compete for a roster spot with the Rams. Los Angeles has been dealing with several injuries along the offensive line, so it comes as little surprise the team has brought in a veteran capable of filling in on at least a temporary basis.

Free agent guard addition Jonah Jackson will be sidelined for the preseason due to a shoulder injury. Missed time will also be the case for left tackle Alaric Jackson and right tackle Rob Havenstein as they recover from their own injuries. The Week 1 availability of all three blockers is unknown at this point, but a cautious approach would be a sensible one from the team’s perspective. While they rehab, McDermott could see notable action during Los Angeles’ exhibition games.

The latter has seen time with the Bills and Jets in addition to his two Patriots stints. McDermott has primarily played at tackle during his career, splitting his time on the left and right side fairly evenly. He does have experience as a guard as well, though. The UCLA alum’s best season in terms of PFF evaluation came during the 2021 campaign when he earned an overall grade of 68.4 (albeit in limited action). McDermott will now spend the coming weeks aiming to do enough to make the Rams’ 53-man roster while providing injury relief in the interim.