St. Louis Rams News

Fraley gets three-year deal wtih Rams
Comment
March 17
St. Louis Post-Dispatch
 
"The Rams made it official Tuesday on Hank Fraley, signing the veteran center and guard to a three-year free agent contract. They also added more depth to the interior of their offensive line by re-signing guard and center Mark Setterstrom to a one-year deal. "I think both of those guys provide real solid depth," general manager Billy Devaney said. "But you know what? There's a spot on the offensive line that can potentially open, and they're going to be in (the mix)." Setterstrom and Fraley could compete for the starting right guard spot manned for most of last season by Richie Incognito. John Greco started the final three games of the 2009 season at right guard following Incognito's ..."
Marc Bulger is present as Rams begin conditioning program
Comment
March 16
St. Louis Globe-Democrat
 
"Last year, prior to the start of the team's first offseason conditioning program under coach Steve Spagnuolo, the Rams did not send letters to tackle Orlando Pace and wide receiver Torry Holt requesting their participation. Pace ended up being released March 10 and Holt three days later. So it was that the Rams began their conditioning program Monday, and quarterback Marc Bulger was present. Since the end of the regular season, and throughout the ensuing two-plus months, whenever Spagnuolo and general manager Billy Devaney have been asked about Bulger's status, they have continually stated that Bulger is under contract and on the roster. And that's the way it remains. Of course, most of ..."
Rams players get checks through performance-pay system
Comment
March 16
St. Louis Globe-Democrat
 
"It is a program very people are aware of except the NFL players that receive checks at this time every year. It is also a program that will go by the wayside because 2010 is an uncapped year. "It" is the performance-based pay system, implemented in 2002 and which provides bonuses to all players based on a formula that takes into account playing time and compensation. Players with low salaries and significant playing time receive larger bonuses. Total payouts for each team are equal. In 2002, it was more than $470,000 per team. For 2009, the bonuses for each team totaled more than $3.4 million with a total league payout of $109.5 million. A dozen players earned bonuses of more than $300,000 ..."
Bulger at Rams Park for workouts
Comment
March 16
St. Louis Post-Dispatch
 
"Quarterback Marc Bulger's future in St. Louis may be tenuous at best, but he remains under contract with the Rams. As such, he was among the Rams players on hand Monday for the start of the team's offseason conditioning program. The turnout Monday was good. Among the notable absentees was Pro Bowl running back Steven Jackson, but he was at Rams Park all of last week. Center Jason Brown and offensive lineman Adam Goldberg are attending the NFL Players Association convention in Hawaii, so they also were absent. Safety Oshiomogho Atogwe is skipping all offseason activities under his current contract status — the low tender as a restricted free agent. 2 RAMS SIGN ELSEWHERE Linebacker Paris ..."
Free agent lineman Hank Fraley agrees to deal with Rams
Comment
March 15
St. Louis Globe-Democrat
 
"The Rams went from the third-oldest team in the NFL at the end of the 2008 season to the third-youngest last year, but the first 10 days of the league year have seen them add three veterans that they hope will improve the roster's depth. And they all have a familiarity with the coaching staff. The latest to agree to terms is Hank Fraley, who played the first six seasons of his career with the Philadelphia Eagles and the last four with the Cleveland Browns. He was released by the Browns on March 3. Rams coach Steve Spagnuolo and offensive coordinator Pat Shurmur were on Philadelphia's staff for the years Fraley was with the Eagles. The contract is believed to be a three-year deal. Fraley ..."
Fraley agrees to terms with Rams
Comment
March 15
St. Louis Post-Dispatch
 
"Veteran center Hank Fraley has canceled a scheduled free-agent visit to Kansas City and agreed to terms with the St. Louis Rams. Fraley, 32, was cut earlier this offseason by the Cleveland Browns. He has played center most of his 10-year NFL career but also has some experience at guard. With the Rams, he's expected to back up Jason Brown at center and compete for a starting job at guard."
Ramifications of No. 1 pick not lost on Devaney
Comment
March 14
Boston Globe
 
"Billy Devaney has the No. 1 pick in a loaded draft, with top prospects lauded as much for their off-field character as their on-field capability. But that doesn't change the Rams general manager's central thought in this process of picking the NFL's next (and maybe last) big bonus baby. He never wants to be in this position again. "It's nice having the first pick,'' Devaney said, "but it's just because you [stunk] the year before.'' Crude? Sure. But it also illustrates how critical this decision is for St. Louis. Find Troy Aikman, Peyton Manning, or Orlando Pace, and set your club up for an iconic era. Wind up with Courtney Brown, David Carr, or JaMarcus Russell and set yourself back ..."
Sale of Rams is not on agenda for upcoming NFL meetings
Comment
March 13
St. Louis Globe-Democrat
 
"It's been a little over four weeks since Illinois businessman Shahid Khan reached agreement to purchase 60 percent of the Rams from Chip Rosenbloom and Lucia Rodriguez for $450 million. The passing time means Rams part owner Stan Kroenke is about halfway through his 60-day window for deciding on his next move. Will Kroenke simply stay a 40-percent owner in the team? Will he sell his 40 percent to Khan? Or, will he exercise his right of first refusal and move to become sole owner of the team? The latter appears unlikely. With the NFL's annual meeting scheduled to begin next Sunday (March 21) in Orlando, league sources told Globe-Democrat,com there has been no indication that Kroenke is ..."
Death of Hall of Famer Merlin Olsen saddens 'Fearsome' mate
Comment
March 13
USA Today
 columnist Skip Wood
"When he received word Thursday morning that close friend and former teammate Merlin Olsen had succumbed to cancer, Rosey Grier cried. He had planned to visit Olsen at a Los Angeles area hospital Wednesday but was told by Olsen's brother, Phil, that it probably would be better if he waited until Friday."So Phil put the phone to his ear and we were able to talk," Grier said by telephone Thursday. "He sounded sick but the thing was, he still sounded like Merlin." Grier paused to collect himself before continuing. "I loved that man," he said. "I really loved him." Olsen, who was 69, died from complications related to malignant mesothelioma, which erodes the protective lining around the lungs. ..."
Rams Saftey Otagwae could stay away from the organization all summer
Comment
March 12
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
 
"The St. Louis Rams begin their offseason conditioning program on Monday, and it looks like they'll be without one of their best players. Safety Oshiomogho Atogwe does not plan on showing up and quite possibly could stay away from the organization throughout the summer, according to Jim Thomas of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. The 28-year-old was tendered by the Rams at the lowest possible level (right of first refusal) this offseason, landing him a salary of $1.226 million and sparking speculation that the team may be looking to deal the veteran safety who has spent his entire five-year career in St. Louis. The $1.226 million is a far cry from the $6.34 million payday Atogwe brought in last ..."
Merlin Olsen was Hall-of-Famer in many ways
Comment
March 12
St. Louis Globe-Democrat
 columnist Howard Blazer
""It's just hard to accept he's not here anymore." Those were the words of former Rams coach Chuck Knox upon hearing the news Thursday that Hall-of-Fame defensive tackle Merlin Olsen had passed away earlier that morning after a short battle with mesothelioma. Olsen, 69, was diagnosed less than a year ago, and began treatment for the usually fatal form of cancer brought on by exposure to asbestos. Late in 2009, he filed a lawsuit, naming at least 27 companies that allegedly and negligently exposed him to asbestos during his life, including as early as when he was 10 or 11 years old and did manual labor. Named in the lawsuit are NBC Studios and NBC Universal. After his NFL career, Olsen was ..."
Atogwe will skip offseason programs
Comment
March 12
St. Louis Post-Dispatch
 
"A year ago at this time, safety Oshiomogho Atogwe showed up for the start of the Rams' offseason conditioning program and took part in minicamps, OTAs (organized team activities) and training camp. He didn't miss a thing even though he was named the team's franchise player, an unpopular designation for players seeking long-term deals. But that won't be the case this year. The Rams' offseason conditioning program begins Monday, and Atogwe will not be in attendance. In fact, barring a change in contract status, Atogwe will be a no-show at all team activities this spring and summer, according to league sources. Atogwe and his agent have declined comment since the Rams last week tendered ..."
Rams dig deep on Suh's pro day
Comment
March 12
St. Louis Post-Dispatch
 columnist Bryan Burwell
"By the time the plane from St. Louis landed at the airport early Thursday morning, the thick fog and ugly white-out conditions that had swirled around the University of Nebraska's indoor football practice facility just past sunrise already had begun to improve dramatically. But let's get real here. It would have taken a lot more than a potential blizzard to have kept Rams general manager Billy Devaney and his new road partner Steve Spagnuolo from another excellent football adventure like this. There's no place on earth quite like Lincoln in the early spring, when the snow, slush, freezing rain and fog make it just a little slice of football heaven. Consider this Stop No. 3 on Billy and ..."
Ex-Rams great Olsen dies
Comment
March 12
St. Louis Post-Dispatch
 
"Hall of Famer Merlin Olsen, who helped form one of the NFL's greatest defensive lines before embarking on a successful career in television, died Thursday after a battle with cancer. He was 69. Olsen was a member of the Los Angeles Rams' "Fearsome Foursome" in the 1960s. He later starred on NFL broadcasts, commercials, and as Jonathan Garvey on the TV series "Little House on the Prairie." "He was ferocious and fearless on the football field and then the other probably more important aspect of his personality was he was a true gentleman," said fellow Hall of Famer Jack Youngblood, his teammate with the Rams in Los Angeles. "We all know what a wonderful, tremendous football player he was, ..."
Former Rams great Merlin Olsen, NFL Hall of Famer, dies at age 69
Comment
March 11
St. Louis Globe-Democrat
 
"Merlin Olsen, who played for the Rams for 15 seasons from 1962-76 and was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1982, died early Thursday morning at the age of 69. Olsen, who was diagnosed with mesothelioma in 2009, filed a lawsuit in December against numerous companies including NBC who he alleges exposed him negligently to asbestos. Olsen was a defensive tackle and beginning with his second season with the Rams was selected to the Pro Bowl for the final 14 seasons of his career. He was as member of the Rams' aptly named "Fearsome Foursome," which also included Deacon Jones, Rosey Grier and Lamar Lundy."
Spagnuolo has more than first round on his mind
Comment
March 11
St. Louis Globe-Democrat
 columnist Alvin Reid
"While St. Louis fans and NFL pundits are gaga over whom the soon-to-be-sold Rams will select with the first pick in the April 22 NFL draft, head coach Steve Spagnuolo and his staff are also searching for those valued diamonds in the rough. Playoff teams are peppered with them. The Rams need some of them badly. The rosters of the league's best teams seem to always include a solid – if not spectacular - quarterback. The final eight teams playing this season had these starting quarterbacks: Drew Brees, Brett Favre, Joe Flacco, Payton Manning, Philip Rivers, Tony Romo, Mark Sanchez and Kurt Warner. The Baltimore Ravens' Flacco is still a work in progress, but has led his team to the playoffs ..."
Rams need to show some fortitude and draft Bradford
Comment
March 11
St. Louis Post-Dispatch
 columnist Bernie Miklasz
"As the Rams ponder their options for the No. 1 overall draft pick, it's probably a good time to ask a pertinent question: Are the Rams ready to rejoin the National Football League? The NFL has evolved dramatically in recent years. This is a passing league now. The salary-cap system went into place in 1994, or 16 seasons ago. Over that time, the league's second-highest average of passing yards per game occurred in 2009, and the fourth-highest passing average came in 2008. In terms of average yards per attempt, four of the five best passing seasons since '94 have come over the last four seasons. These aren't meaningless yards, either. If a team is incapable of doing considerable damage ..."
Rams best Patriots in tussle over Fells
Comment
March 11
St. Louis Post-Dispatch
 
"The 2009 season, in which he caught 21 passes and scored three touchdowns, may be as good as it gets for tight end Daniel Fells. Then again, the Rams would've hated to see him break out next season in New England. They won't have to worry about that now. The Rams won an interesting tug-of-war with the Patriots, signing Fells to a one-year deal Wednesday. In a mild surprise, the Rams didn't make a tender offer to Fells last week as a restricted free agent. It looked like that decision might backfire on the Rams when Fells made a free-agent trip Monday to New England. Then came reports early Tuesday that Fells was close to signing with the Patriots. But Fells has chosen to stay in St. Louis, ..."
St. Louis Rams start 'pro day' tour
Comment
March 10
St. Louis Post-Dispatch
 
"Coach Steve Spagnuolo and general manager Billy Devaney were on the road Tuesday for the first of what figures to be several pro day appearances. First stop, Norman, Okla., for a look at defensive tackle Gerald McCoy at the University of Oklahoma. McCoy measured in Tuesday at 6-4, 298 pounds. He took part in individual drills but did not participate in any timed events. McCoy's drills were run by Baltimore Ravens defensive line coach Clarence Brooks. Spagnuolo said via text message that McCoy's workout was "great, as expected." Spagnuolo and Devaney did more than watch McCoy go through the paces. They had breakfast with McCoy before his workout. It was unclear Tuesday if the Rams will set ..."
Rams sign free-agent defensive tackle Fred Robbins to contract
Comment
March 9
St. Louis Globe-Democrat
 
"The Rams completed the first four days of free agency Monday with the official signing of defensive tackle Fred Robbins, who come from the Giants where coach Steve Spagnuolo was the defensive coordinator for two seasons. "It played a big role," Robbins said of his prior relationship with Spagnuolo. "I have the utmost respect for coach Spags. We worked well and great together the years we had in New York. I know what kind of coach he is, what kind of guy. I know what he expects and what he's looking for. It's good to be reunited with him and some former guys I played with in New York. It's just a great fit for me." Robbins is listed at 317 pounds and has been said to be 325, but seeing ..."
Robbins signs 3-year deal
Comment
March 9
St. Louis Post-Dispatch
 
"The Rams signed a new defensive tackle Monday even as both of their starting defensive ends from 2009 may be heading out the door. Veteran defensive tackle Fred Robbins, who has spent his last six seasons with the New York Giants, signed a three-year deal with St. Louis with incentives that make the overall value of the contract $12 million. But Leonard Little and James Hall, who combined to start 27 of 32 games at defensive end last season for the Rams, both are making free-agent trips to the reigning Super Bowl champions, the New Orleans Saints. Little, 35, led the Rams with 6½ sacks last season even though he missed the final three games with a knee infection. Hall, 33, had 4½ sacks in ..."
Rams close to signing free agent defensive tackle Fred Robbins
Comment
March 7
St. Louis Globe-Democrat
 
"The Rams are poised to make their second free-agent signing in two days as talks were close to being finalized Saturday night with New York Giants free-agent defensive tackle Fred Robbins on a multi-year deal. Robbins has played 10 seasons in the NFL, the last six with the Giants and was there when Rams coach Steve Spagnuolo was the defensive coordinator. He is listed as 6-foot-4, 317 pounds and can play both tackle positions. Last season, after undergoing microfracture surgery in February, Robbins played 16 games with the Giants and started 12. He turns 35 on March 25, ironically the same day that quarterback Sam Bradford will have his own private workout at the University of Oklahoma."
NFL suspends Ryan Tucker, Jason Ferguson for eight games
Comment
March 7
St. Louis Globe-Democrat
 
"It turns out former Rams tackle Ryan Tucker had a good reason for announcing his retirement Thursday on a Cleveland radio station. Tucker, who missed the 2009 season (his 13th in the NFL) after having knee surgery in the Cleveland Browns' training camp, would be suspended for the first eight games of the 2010 season if he signed with another team. Tucker's contract expired Thursday night and he became an unrestricted free agent. On WKNR Radio, Tucker, who turns 35 in June, said, "We notified the league and we are notifying the Cleveland Browns family that I'm shutting it down. It's time for me to go ahead and hang up the cleats and starting being a daddy and a husband. I'm going that ..."
Rams sign veteran quarterback Jay Feeley to two-year contract
Comment
March 6
St. Louis Globe-Democrat
 
"Last year at this time, the Rams were entertaining free-agent center Jason Brown and safety James Butler, while also working hard to re-sign cornerback Ron Bartell. Butler and Bartell were 27 years old then, and Brown 26. But that was a different NFL world than the one facing teams this year. The available free agents are decidedly older because of the new rules, making the Rams reluctant to dive into waters riddled with 30-something players commanding huge contracts. The Rams went from the third-oldest team in the league in 2008 to the third-youngest last season, and they don't want to stray too far from that model. So it was on the first day of free agency that the only ripple out of ..."
Kampman First Up for Birds? AJ for Rams
Comment
March 6
Philadelphia Inquirer
 
"Well, we're confused. First, FOX's Jay Glazer tweeted that free agent DE Aaron Kampman is scheduled to visit the Eagles. Kampman's name certainly has been linked to the Birds in repeated FA speculation; though less splashy than Julius Peppers, he is an intense, high motor player who would improve the DE spot opposite Trent Cole. Then, though, Glazer corrected his tweet, saying the Eagles have spoken to agent Neil Cornich, but that no visit has been scheduled. Efforts to contact Cornich for comment have been unsuccessful. The Eagles have not responded to requests for comment. They usually -- but not always -- announce free agent visits. Then again, Tom Silverstein, who covers the Packers ..."
Rams, A.J. Feeley agree on deal
Comment
March 6
St. Louis Post-Dispatch
 
"When it comes to quarterback additions, A.J. Feeley wasn't on the tip of many tongues in Rams Nation. But A.J. Feeley it is. The Rams' first foray into free agency this offseason resulted in Feeley agreeing to terms on a two-year deal for a reported $6 million. That's too much money to hold a clipboard, meaning Feeley looks like the Rams' No. 2 quarterback, and a potential "bridge" quarterback who could start some games if the team ends up drafting Oklahoma's Sam Bradford. The addition of Feeley gives the Rams four quarterbacks currently under contract: Marc Bulger, Keith Null, Mike Reilly - and now Feeley. Kyle Boller is an unrestricted free agent and isn't expected back. Bulger isn't ..."
Rams tender offers with free agency set to begin Friday
Comment
March 5
St. Louis Globe-Democrat
 
"Thursday is the deadline for NFL teams to have submitted tenders for their restricted free agents, with the start of the new league set for Friday. With this an uncapped year (unless the totally unexpected happens today), there are more restricted free agents than usual. Late Wednesday, the Rams were still making decisions on some of their restricted free agents. In that group are safeties Oshiomogho Atogwe and Craig Dahl, tight end Daniel Fells and defensive tackle Gary Gibson. The Rams have had discussions regarding a long-term contract for Atogwe, who would have to be tendered at $6.976 million for there to be draft-choice compensation. Known to be receiving tenders are tackle Alex ..."
Rams make lowest possible tender of $1.226 million to Atogwe
Comment
March 5
St. Louis Globe-Democrat
 
"The Rams on Thursday tendered safety Oshiomogho Atogwe at the lowest tender for restricted free agents with his experience, but the team views it as the opportunity for him to gauge his value from other teams. The Rams have been trying to reach a long-term agreement with Atogwe since last year when he was the team's franchise player, but Kevin Demoff, the Rams executive vice president of football operations/chief operating officer, said, "I have met numerous times with his representative at the combine and Senior Bowl and they knew we weren't going to franchise him again. We just haven't been able to agree on his value. We are hoping market forces come into play and help get a deal done." ..."
Strange day at Rams Park
Comment
March 5
St. Louis Post-Dispatch
 
"On the eve of free agency, a period in which most NFL teams break out their wallets, the Rams symbolically put theirs back in their pocket. In an unusual move, the Rams officially tendered strong safety Oshiomogho Atogwe at the lowest level possible Thursday as a restricted free agent — the right-of-first-refusal level. Should Atogwe get an outside offer from another team and the Rams decide not to match, the Rams would get no draft pick compensation. "It's a risky move," said one league insider familiar with the Atogwe situation. "It's almost like they're trying to get too cute on this one." For now, the move saves the team $5.75 million. Had the Rams tendered Atogwe at any of the four ..."
Rams tender Atogwe at lowest level
Comment
March 5
St. Louis Post-Dispatch
 
"The St. Louis Rams have officially tendered Oshiomogho Atogwe at the lowest level possible for a restricted free agent _ the right of first refusal level. As a result, the Rams get no draft pick compensation if they choose not to match an outside offer. Atogwe gets only $1.226 million as opposed to the $6.976 million he would have gotten if tendered at any other level."
Rams tender offers with free agency set to begin Friday
Comment
March 4
St. Louis Globe-Democrat
 
"Thursday is the deadline for NFL teams to have submitted tenders for their restricted free agents, with the start of the new league set for Friday. With this an uncapped year (unless the totally unexpected happens today), there are more restricted free agents than usual. Late Wednesday, the Rams were still making decisions on some of their restricted free agents. In that group are safeties Oshiomogho Atogwe and Craig Dahl, tight end Daniel Fells and defensive tackle Gary Gibson. The Rams have had discussions regarding a long-term contract for Atogwe, who would have to be tendered at $6.976 million for there to be draft-choice compensation. Known to be receiving tenders are tackle Alex ..."
Rams whittle down list of restricted free agents
Comment
March 4
St. Louis Post-Dispatch
 
"And then there were four. For the better part of the week, the Rams have been hacking away at their list of 13 restricted free agents, deciding which players to tender with one-year offers, and which players to set free. With today's deadline looming for making the tender offers, the Rams have made decisions on nine of those 13. As of Wednesday evening, the Rams were still trying to decide what to do with four restricted free agents: safety Oshiomogho Atogwe, safety Craig Dahl, tight end Daniel Fells and defensive tackle Gary Gibson. In some of those cases, league sources say the Rams are trying to sign the players to long-term deals. But if no deal can be struck by today's deadline, all ..."
It's over for Rams and CB Wade
Comment
March 3
St. Louis Post-Dispatch
 
"League sources told the Post-Dispatch on Tuesday that the St. Louis Rams will not make a tender offer to restricted free agent Jonathan Wade. Furthermore, they will not try to re-sign him for a lesser amount once Wade hits the market as an unrestricted free agent Friday. Last Sept. 1, the Rams thought enough of Wade to trade starting cornerback Tye Hill to Atlanta. That made Wade the team's starting right corner for the first four games of 2009."
QB factor complicates draft picture
Comment
March 2
St. Louis Post-Dispatch
 columnist Bryan Burwell
"With only 43 more shopping days remaining before the NFL draft, Rams general manager Billy Devaney and the rest of his personnel entourage have descended on Indianapolis the past few days for the NFL combine with only one purpose in mind: find a way to fix this wretched mess of a franchise in record time. When you have been looking up from the bottom of the NFL barrel for as long as the Rams have — and when the entire football world is just waiting to see exactly what you will do with the No. 1 overall pick — that puts an extraordinary amount of expectation on a GM's shoulders. Devaney, a little guy with an oversized competitive streak, privately simmers when he detects even the slightest ..."
St. Louis could use QB as trade bait
Comment
March 1
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
 
"If you are the St. Louis Rams, why make a move with QB Marc Bulger now? He is under contract, and when the new league year opens this Friday, the Rams don't owe Bulger anything-no bonus money at all. He is still free labor for them until the actual 2010 season starts, where he is due $8.5 million. My point in simple here: the Rams can play a waiting game. Sure, this is not going to be in favor of Bulger or his agent, but as Howard Balzer pointed out in the St. Louis Globe-Democrat, head coach Steve Spagnuolo has said that a decision does not have to be made now. Think about it. The Rams-depending on who you listen to-will go after either Oklahoma QB Sam Bradford or one of two defensive ..."
McCoy or Suh? Both would like to become first pick of the Rams
Comment
March 1
St. Louis Globe-Democrat
 
"Ndamukong Suh or Gerald McCoy? Gerald McCoy or Ndamukong Suh? There's no disputing the two defensive tackles are among the top prizes of this year's draft class. But questions remain: Who is better, Suh out of Nebraska or McCoy out of Oklahoma? And is either player deserving of the No. 1 pick? Suh made his case while speaking with reporters Saturday at the NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. The Associated Press player of the year and Heisman Trophy finalist said he would be happy for his good friend McCoy but "disappointed with myself" if he weren't selected by the Rams as the top overall choice in April. "I'm a competitor," he said. "I want to be No. 1. So that's what I'm going to ..."
Gerald McCoy was raised to be a leader
Comment
March 1
St. Louis Globe-Democrat
 
"His smile lit up the media headquarters late in the day Sunday with many of the reporters that have been here since Thursday on the way home. There was concern that Oklahoma defensive tackle Gerald McCoy wasn't going to be available. Some wondered if he hoped to avoid the session. Once he walked to the podium, however, it was clear he was reveling in the opportunity to talk ... and talk about his smile. When asked that being the first pick overall might him into "face-of-the-franchise" territory, McCoy said, "I don't think I'll be the face of a franchise. I'll just be a new incoming player. I don't think I'll be the face. I do have a good smile though." He did acknowledge how he has always ..."
Rams' move makes it obvious that Barron is on the market
Comment
March 1
St. Louis Post-Dispatch
 
"The process of making tender offers to the Rams' 13 restricted free agents has taken an unusual twist for offensive tackle Alex Barron, a move that can only be interpreted as the club is dangling him as trade bait. Under league rules, the Rams must pay Barron 110 percent of his 2009 salary, or $2.73 million in 2010. That's a dollar amount that entitles the Rams to a first-round draft pick as compensation if they decided not to match any outside offer. But here comes the curveball: Although they have to pay Barron at a first-round level, they don't have to ask for first-round draft pick compensation. And they're not. According to multiple league sources, the Rams informed Barron's agents ..."
McCoy or Suh? Suh or McCoy?
Comment
March 1
St. Louis Post-Dispatch
 
"This much we know for sure: When it comes to media interviews at the NFL scouting combine, Oklahoma's Gerald McCoy won a decisive victory over Nebraska's Ndamukong Suh over the weekend. Now, Suh wasn't bad. He came across as sincere, intense, but still able to laugh at himself a little bit — like when he was talking about his soccer exploits growing up in Portland, Ore. Suh strikes you as the type who'll look you in the eye and make no excuses. As for McCoy, well, he took it to another level. Smooth yet sincere. Funny. Engaging. Good storyteller. Confident. Or was it borderline cocky? Endorsement-caliber smile. Totally at ease with the media. He was this year's Aaron Curry — the best ..."
Bulger's agents want decision on his status
Comment
February 28
St. Louis Globe-Democrat
 
"With rumors flying regarding the future of Rams quarterback Marc Bulger, the situation remains fluid. One report on espn.com said Bulger could be released prior to next Friday (March 5), the start of the new league year, and listed several teams where Bulger might land, including the Jets and Lions. The latter is very unlikely considering the poor relationship that existed when Detroit offensive coordinator Scott Linehan was head coach of the Rams. Globe-Democrat.com has learned there are talks occurring between the Rams and Bulger's agents to decide his fate sooner rather than later. There is no urgency to make a move prior to March 5 because there are no salary-cap implications to having ..."
Spagnuolo does not want to be labeled as a defensive coach
Comment
February 28
St. Louis Globe-Democrat
 
"Steve Spagnuolo has held many positions in his NFL coaching career, from defensive backs coach to linebackers coach to defensive coordinator. But, whatever you do, don't call him a defensive-minded coach. "Why does that keep coming up?" the St. Louis Rams head coach asked Saturday at the NFL Scouting Combine. Spagnuolo, while speaking with reporters at Lucas Oil Stadium, scoffed at the idea that his coaching background means he would prefer the Ramsa defensive tackle, either Nebraska's Ndamukong Suh or Oklahoma's Gerald McCoy, with the No. 1 pick in April's NFL draft. "I know we all get labeled as head coaches, defensive-guy, offensive-guy," Spagnuolo said. "But when you sit in this ..."
Sam Bradford makes positive impression at Scouting Combine
Comment
February 28
St. Louis Globe-Democrat
 
"Sam Bradford walked into the interview room at the NFL Scouting Combine on Saturday wearing a red jersey with the number "1" on it. Coincidence? In this case, yes. Bradford was assigned the jersey number because he was listed first alphabetically among the 18 quarterbacks invited to this week's combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. But come April, it could prove prophetic. Bradford, the former Heisman Trophy winner out of Oklahoma, is one of the four players the St. Louis Rams are considering for the No. 1 pick in April's NFL draft. To some experts, he is considered the top contender of the group. But health is the biggest issue surrounding Bradford, who injured his right shoulder in the 2009 ..."
Rams shrug off 'wow' fact or
Comment
February 28
St. Louis Post-Dispatch
 
"With a Rams franchise struggling both at the box office and in the won-lost column, the pressure might be intense to draft someone with the "wow" factor at No. 1 overall. When all is said and done the Rams could end up drafting Oklahoma quarterback Sam Bradford over Nebraska defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh. But coach Steve Spagnuolo said ticket sales won't influence the decision. "I think it's a danger if you fall into that," Spagnuolo said Saturday at the NFL scouting combine. "That conversation doesn't really come up when we're sitting there evaluating the players. … I think you have to remove that (from the equation). And I think the support is there from the ownership and the powers ..."
Advice rolls in for Rams on No. 1 pick
Comment
February 28
St. Louis Post-Dispatch
 
"Now that the center of the pro football universe has descended on this place for the NFL scouting combine, it's hard to find anyone within a six-block radius of Lucas Oil Stadium who isn't eager, willing or able to offer the Rams a little helpful or slightly misguided advice about how to use that rather valuable No.1 overall pick in the NFL draft. In coffee shops and hotel lobbies, greasy-spoon diners and five-star steak houses, on windy street corners and comfy stadium luxury boxes and just about every other place where more than one NFL executive, coach, TV talking head or ink-stained sportswriter might gather to dish rumors and dispense information, it doesn't take long to gather an ..."
Top QBs are on Rams' radar
Comment
February 28
St. Louis Post-Dispatch
 
"For the two best quarterbacks in this year's draft, Oklahoma's Sam Bradford and Notre Dame's Jimmy Clausen, this NFL scouting combine has nothing to do with skill and ability. It's all about good health. Forget about what the coaches and scouts think, the people they need to impress are the dozens of doctors and trainers here from all 32 NFL teams. Bradford is still healing from surgery to his throwing shoulder; Clausen from right toe surgery. They will not work out here; but they got a grueling workout from all the medical people. Both players are very much on the Rams' radar, particularly Bradford, when it comes to consideration for the No. 1 overall pick. Bradford underwent a ..."
Browns, Rams won't tip hands
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February 28
Camden Courier-Post
 
"Three years ago, when the Eagles drafted quarterback Kevin Kolb early in the second round, they preached about the value of grooming a raw, unpolished gunslinger behind a potential Hall of Famer. They envisioned the rare luxury of replacing one franchise cornerstone with another. When the right time beckoned, they could say good-bye to Donovan McNabb without blowing up the franchise and starting over. "We drafted him thinking that," Tom Heckert, the Eagles' former general manager, admitted Saturday at the NFL combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Have the Birds changed opinions? Heckert, now the Browns' general manager, said, "You'd have to ask Philadelphia about that." For a variety of reasons, ..."
SPAGNUOLO: NO TALKS WITH EAGLES
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February 28
Camden Courier-Post
 
"The close connection between Eagles coach Andy Reid and Rams coach Steve Spagnuolo doesn't necessarily mean the two sides have spoken to discuss a quarterback trade. Spagnuolo adamantly denied stirring up any conversations with his former club about dealing for Michael Vick or Kevin Kolb. (Donovan McNabb isn't a likely candidate for St. Louis. It's doubtful he'd agree to a contract extension to play there). "I have not had any conversation with the Philadelphia people. Zero," the former Eagles defensive assistant said Saturday at the combine. Perhaps that's because Spags and his front office have already decided that they'll use their first-round pick to take Oklahoma's Sam Bradford - as ..."
Devaney says Rams have four candidates for number one pick
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February 27
St. Louis Globe-Democrat
 
"As of Friday, there were 55 days left until the start of 2010 NFL Draft on April 22. And that means plenty of time remains for the St. Louis Rams to decide on the No. 1 pick. But it looks like they're making progress. Rams general manager Billy Devaney, while talking to reporters at the NFL Scouting Combine, acknowledged the team has four leading candidates for the pick. "We pretty much know who the candidates are," he said. "There's still a lot of information we need to get on some of these guys." It appears certain the Rams will take with the No. 1 pick a quarterback, either Oklahoma's Sam Bradford or Notre Dame's Jimmy Clausen, or a defensive tackle, choosing from Nebraska's Ndamukong ..."