"Though there is no guarantee that Marc Bulger will be back with the St. Louis Rams next season, team officials are downplaying a report that the quarterback cleaning out his locker could signal his departure.

Like most other players who cleaned out their stalls after the Rams' 1-15 season mercifully ended, Bulger left workout gear and other belongings, a team source said.

St. Louis sports writer and radio host Howard Balzer reported Tuesday that he had been told Bulger doesn't expect to be a Ram in 2010. However, a source told NFL.com that Bulger wouldn't mind coming back, although he'd also welcome a fresh start should the Rams opt to release him.

Bulger signed a six-year, $65 million contract extension in 2007, and next season, he's due $8.5 million, which is a large amount for a quarterback who hasn't performed well or stayed healthy the past three seasons. He has passer ratings of 70.3, 71.4 and 70.7, respectively, in the last three seasons and missed 11 games because of injuries."