We originally wrote that the Rams should target Cincinnati offensive lineman Andrew Whitworth, but a more realistic option is Kevin Zeitler.

The latest rumor today is that the Bengals are more interested in returning Whitworth, with Zeitler likely to test the free-agent market.

Here’s the latest from Bengals reporter Paul Dehner, Jr. (via Cinncinati.com):

“I continue to feel confident Kevin Zeitler will be playing elsewhere in 2017 … We’ll see as free agency ramps up next month, but we put a 45 percent chance on his return in our free agent piece when the season ended and I’d drop it to 30 today.”

In the rankings from RotoWorld, Zeitler is the top-rated free agent interior offensive lineman.

Zeitler had an 87.1 Pro Football Focus grade last season, which put him in the top ten of all NFL players at his position. He was also top-five in pass block.

Meanwhile, no Rams guards besides Rodger Saffold received a PFF grade better than 67.6 (Cody Wichmann) — which is subpar by all standards.

Saffold, 28, is a leader for the Rams and does a serviceable job protecting the left side. Zeitler, 26, would be a perfect complement for the right side of the offensive line.