The Los Angeles Rams’ longest-tenured player retired from the NFL after 11 seasons this week, as Rob Havenstein called it a career at the age of 33. He was the last remaining player from the St. Louis days, showing just how long he’s been with the franchise.
His retirement leaves a void at right tackle, and perhaps more importantly, a leader in the locker room. Fortunately for the Rams, they already have a replacement on their roster for 2026.
Warren McClendon Jr., a fifth-round pick in 2023, emerged as a high-end starter for the Rams this past season after Havenstein landed on injured reserve with an ankle injury. He stepped in and played exceptionally well, even proving to be an upgrade on the right side.
It’s not as if he was guaranteed to seamlessly replace Havenstein, either. He struggled as a backup in 2024, allowing five sacks and earning a 51.5 pass-blocking grade from Pro Football Focus in the 13 games (five starts) he made.
He filled in for Havenstein at times two years ago, and also made one start at left tackle early in the season, too. But this past season, it was a different story. He started 13 games (including playoffs) and never allowed more than five pressures in a game. He gave up just two sacks all year, finishing with an overall grade of 78.7.
Among qualified tackles, McClendon’s grade of 78.7 was the 15th-best in the NFL. His 23 pressures allowed were tied for the 10th-fewest, and only six tackles allowed fewer sacks than he did.
It wasn’t just the passing game where McClendon excelled, either. His run-blocking grade of 81.9 was 13th-best in football, so he was outstanding in the run game, too.
Best of all? His salary is only $1.1 million in 2026, the final year of his rookie contract. The Rams could look to extend him now before he becomes a free agent in 2027, which wouldn’t be a bad idea after seeing how well he played this season.
Or, they could let McClendon play out the last year of his contract and prove he’s deserving of a long-term extension. That might drive his price up if he plays well, but it might be a worthwhile risk to save the Rams from paying a player too soon – as rare as that is.
Either way, Los Angeles should feel confident in McClendon as its starting right tackle. Sean McVay said there’s “no question” he’s a candidate to be the long-term starter at that spot during his end-of-season press conference.
“He’s done great. He played really well. I’m proud as hell of Warren McClendon,” McVay said.
The Rams shouldn’t completely ignore the offensive tackle spot this offseason after seeing D.J. Humphries struggle as a backup in 2025, but they don’t need to force a pick at the position as it appeared they might need to before McClendon established himself as a viable starter.
This article originally appeared on Rams Wire: LA Rams already have replacement for Rob Havenstein on roster