Los Angeles Rams Add Veteran Depth To Offensive Line With David Quessenberry Signing
The Los Angeles Rams have added depth to their offensive line with the signing of veteran tackle David Quessenberry to a one-year contract. The 34-year-old boasts more than seven years of NFL experience for a Rams unit that has been beset by injury issues this offseason. A leader-type and versatile player, Quessenberry is expected to be a valuable supporting cog as Los Angeles looks to solidify its protection for Quarterback Matthew Stafford. The agreement was finalized on Thursday and adds instant depth to a unit with questions at right tackle.
A Smart, Low-Risk Addition for a Thin Unit
The addition of David Quessenberry comes as the Rams are facing uncertainty along the offensive line. Incumbent starting Right Tackle Rob Havenstein is out indefinitely while recovering from offseason surgery on both his shoulders. While he’s expected to return by training camp, his absence has opened the door for competition and depth additions. Jourdan Rodrigue of The Athletic observed from OTAs that Warren McClendon was taking reps at the swing tackle, but the team has opted to go another route by adding a veteran presence in Quessenberry to bring stability to the group.
Quessenberry spent the last two seasons with the Minnesota Vikings, appearing in 33 games and starting four. In 2023, he played in all 17 games and had 102 offensive snaps and 88 on special teams. Though largely a backup, he showed his value by playing both tackle positions, including 22 snaps at right tackle in the Vikings’ wild-card playoff loss. His recent full-time starting experience in Tennessee in 2021 makes him one of the more experienced swing tackles available in free agency.
Quessenberry’s NFL journey is one of perseverance. A sixth-round draft choice of the Houston Texans in 2013 out of San Jose State, he didn’t make his regular-season debut until 2017 due to a lengthy battle with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. He has appeared in 84 games with 30 starts for the Texans, Titans, Bills, and Vikings since returning. His story and perseverance add intangible value to any locker room he joins.
How Quessenberry Can Help the Rams
While Quessenberry will not challenge Havenstein or Alaric Jackson for a starting role barring injury, his value as a veteran presence and swing tackle could be priceless. The Rams’ O-line was beset by health problems and inconsistency in 2023. Acquiring a player who can step in at both tackle spots without needing to overcome a learning curve is important. Quessenberry is 6-foot-5, 310 pounds, which makes him have the physical stature and mental aptitude to be capable of making spot starts if required.
At Tennessee, he started all 17 games in 2021 at right tackle, showing that he can hold his own over an extended period. That kind of experience and durability with pro-style blocking schemes will be extremely valuable if Havenstein suffers a setback or if younger linemen falter in camp. Quessenberry has also picked up postseason experience with five games and two starts under his belt, which is valuable for a Rams squad trying to return to playoff relevance in 2024.
His experience in several offenses ought to help the Rams in terms of continuity in case of injury. His presence also buys development time for younger linemen such as McClendon, who could benefit from learning behind a veteran pro. In a league where offensive line depth is always in short supply, Quessenberry is a sound insurance policy.
Final Thoughts
The Rams’ signing of David Quessenberry is a wise move that brings depth and leadership to a key position group. His experience, longevity, and versatility make him a natural fit as a backup who can be inserted without missing a beat. Since Havenstein’s health is uncertain, Quessenberry gives the team a good failsafe. Even if he’s not a starter, his availability could be a lifesaver during a long season.
