Coleman

Shelton

Shelton returns to the Rams, where he played from 2019-2023. He spent last season with the Bears, making 17 starts and allowing three sacks. The Bears chose to revamp their offensive line, leaving Shelton looking elsewhere in free agency. He reunites with the Rams on a two-year deal and will be in the mix to start after starting 30 games for Los Angeles from 2022-2023.

A former undrafted free agent, Shelton made 30 starts on the pivot over the past two seasons in Los Angeles. He’s an upgrade on Lucas Patrick, but not a particularly big one in Pro Football Focus’ ratings are to be believed. Shelton is far stronger in the run game than as a pass blocker.

A longtime reserve, Shelton became a 13-game starter along the Rams’ injury-ruined offensive last season, spending time at both guard and center. He held his own, though not to the degree he should be considered a no-brainer 2023 starter. He will simply be part of the mix along the interior.

Jeremiah Kolone played center in Shelton’s absence on Sunday and the 49ers were able to blitz the Rams with impunity despite that being the surest way to get shredded by Matthew Stafford last season. The mounting injuries on the offensive line are, along with the inability to get Allen Robinson involved, big reasons why the Rams offense has been parked for much of 2022.

Shelton, the Rams’ starting right guard, has been forced to play center the last three weeks because Brian Allen needed knee surgery after Week 1. Shelton tried to play the Rams’ second drive, but it didn’t go well, and he was ruled out. Jeremiah Kolone is now in the game. Los Angeles’ line has been wrecked by offseason departures and in-season injuries.

The Rams have made their offensive line a point of emphasis to start free agency, re-signing three players on the first day. Shelton is a backup on the interior but did see action in two spot-starts last year. He will likely remain a backup in 2022 but brings some versatility and depth to the table.

Both players were exclusive rights free agents. Shelton played 75 2020 snaps. Howard missed the entire season with a torn meniscus.