Rams Trade Rumors

Eagles acquire linebacker Will Witherspoon from Rams
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October 20
Philadelphia Inquirer
 
"The Eagles acquired linebacker Will Witherspoon from St. Louis for wide receiver Brandon Gibson and a fifth-round pick in 2010. Today is the NFL trading deadline and the Eagles clearly had a need at linebacker. Gibson looked good in training camp but has not been playing. Witherspoon, in his eighth season out of Georgia, sustained injuries to his hip and back in Sunday's overtime loss at Jacksonville. The 29-year-old had to be assisted to the sidelines by trainers. An MRI indicated only a bruise. Witherspoon, 6-1, 239, signed a 6-year, $33 million deal (including $15 million guaranteed) with St. Louis in 2006. In his first season with the Rams, he played in all 16 games and recorded a ..."
Rams get good news as Avery has MRI exam on injured hip
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October 20
St. Louis Post-Dispatch
 
"The Rams had every reason to fear the worst when wide receiver Donnie Avery fell hard on his left hip and limped to the sideline early in the second quarter Sunday. "It's the same hip I played on last year with a crack in it," Avery said after the 23-20 overtime loss at Jacksonville. "I'm just hoping for something positive." The fracture, suffered early in training camp in Mequon, Wis., kept Avery out for most of the preseason. It never fully healed during the regular season, although Avery amassed 53 catches, 674 yards and three touchdowns as a rookie. Good news arrived Monday: An MRI exam showed no crack this time. Coach Steve Spagnuolo said Avery would be day-to-day this week, as the ..."
Faulk to address status with Rams bid
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October 18
St. Louis Post-Dispatch
 
"Former Rams standout running back Marshall Faulk, whom ESPN.com reported could be a candidate to replace Rush Limbaugh in a group attempting to buy the Rams, is scheduled to address the situation Sunday during the "NFL GameDay Morning" program on NFL Network. The show begins at 8 a.m. and his comments about the issue tentatively are scheduled for early in the 11 a.m. hour. Faulk has been a commentator for NFL Network since the beginning of the 2006 season."
Sources: Checketts to drop Limbaugh
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October 14
ESPN.com
 
"Rush Limbaugh is expected to be dropped from a group bidding to buy the St. Louis Rams, according to three NFL sources. Dave Checketts, chairman of the NHL's St. Louis Blues and the point man in the Limbaugh group attempting to buy the Rams, realizes he must remove the controversial conservative radio host from his potential role as a minority member in the group in order to get approval from other NFL owners, the sources said. Three-quarters of the league's 32 owners would have to approve any sale to Limbaugh and his group. Earlier this week, Indianapolis Colts owner Jim Irsay predicted that Limbaugh's potential bid would be met by significant opposition. Several players have also voiced ..."
Colts owner opposes Rush Limbaugh bid for St. Louis Rams
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October 14
St. Louis Post-Dispatch
 
"Opposition is mounting to the presence of conservative radio commentator Rush Limbaugh on a potential St. Louis Rams ownership group. "I myself couldn't even consider voting for him," Indianapolis Colts owner Jim Irsay told The Associated Press Tuesday in Boston, where he was attending the league's fall meetings. "When there are comments that have been made that are inappropriate, incendiary and insensitive ... our words do damage, and it's something that we don't need." In his comments to the media Tuesday in Boston, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell also distanced himself from Limbaugh. "I have said many times before that we are all held to a higher standard here (in the NFL)," Goodell ..."
NFL Casts Doubt on Limbaugh Bid
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October 14
Washington Post
 
"NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell raised considerable doubt Tuesday about whether conservative radio talk show host Rush Limbaugh could secure the approval of the league's other franchise owners necessary for him to become a partial owner of the St. Louis Rams. Goodell said he would find it inappropriate for the owner of an NFL team to make public remarks such as those attributed to Limbaugh in the past. "I've said many times before we're all held to a high standard here, and I think divisive comments are not what the NFL is all about," Goodell said at an NFL owners meeting here. "I would not want to see those comments coming from people who are in a responsible position in the NFL, ..."
Rev. Al Sharpton writes Roger Goodell to block Rush Limbaugh's bid on St. Louis Rams
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October 12
New York Daily News
 
"The Rev. Al Sharpton wants to sack Rush Limbaugh's bid to buy the St. Louis Rams. Sharpton is "disturbed" by the prospect of Limbaugh joining the league and says the plan needs further review, Sharpton wrote in a letter to the NFL Monday. He wants to meet with NFL commissioner Roger Goodell "to discuss the myriad of reasons" why the conservative talk radio host should not be allowed to buy the Rams. Limbaugh has a history of making derogatory comments about black players like Michael Vick and Donovan McNabb - and even said the league looks like a fight between the Crips and the Bloods street gangs."
Union opposes Limbaugh's bid to buy Rams
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October 11
ESPN.com
 
"NFL Players Executive Director DeMaurice Smith on Saturday made a move to solidify the union against a bid by conservative talk show radio host Rush Limbaugh as part of a group that aims to purchase the St. Louis Rams. In an e-mail to the union's executive committee on Saturday specifically addressing Limbaugh's bid, Smith said, "I've spoken to the Commissioner [Roger Goodell] and I understand that this ownership consideration is in the early stages. But sport in America is at its best when it unifies, gives all of us reason to cheer, and when it transcends. Our sport does exactly that when it overcomes division and rejects discrimination and hatred." Limbaugh and St. Louis Blues owner ..."
Rush wants the Rams? Why?
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October 9
Charlotte Observer
 
"So, Rush Limbaugh wants a piece of the St. Louis Rams. Shouldn't be hard to get. Just get on their schedule. In case you haven't heard, Limbaugh and his friend, St. Louis Blues owner Dave Checketts, have an interest in purchasing the franchise formerly known as the Greatest Show On Turf, now known as losers of 14 straight games. Talk about bailout plans. Imagine the Bellicose One as a member of the ultimate boys club. Wouldn't you love to listen in on meetings? Without getting into politics (my radio preference is E Street Radio on satellite), if Limbaugh can fix the overtime thing (who cares about the Rams), I'm all ears. The NFL overtime system is better than that weird thing college ..."
Black NFL players crush prospect of playing for a Rush Limbaugh-owned St. Louis Rams
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October 9
New York Daily News
 
"Mathias Kiwanuka loves his former defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo, but the Giants' defensive end says he will never play for Spagnuolo's Rams if Rush Limbaugh purchases the team. Kiwanuka and the Jets' Bart Scott made it clear Thursday that they would never play for the Rams or any team owned by the controversial conservative radio host. "All I know is from the last comment I heard, he said in (President) Obama's America, white kids are getting beat up on the bus while black kids are chanting 'right on,'" Kiwanuka told The Daily News. "I mean, I don't want anything to do with a team that he has any part of. He can do whatever he wants, it is a free country. But if it goes through, I ..."
Limbaugh, Checketts join in bid for Rams
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October 6
St. Louis Post-Dispatch
 
"Radio personality Rush Limbaugh has joined forces with St. Louis Blues owner Dave Checketts in a bid to buy the St. Louis Rams football team, NFL sources confirmed Monday. The Checketts group has made its bid on the team and plans to keep the team in St. Louis. According to league sources, there are multiple bidders for the Rams as the potential sale of the team has advanced to a second stage - from looking for potential buyers to evaluating the merits of bidders. It is not known who the other bidders are. "I certainly think individual bidders have the right to discuss their interest in the club," said Kevin Demoff, the Rams' executive vice president of football operations. "There's ..."
St. Louis Rams' Bulger has bruise; Robinson is done
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September 29
St. Louis Post-Dispatch
 
"As he stepped to the podium for his regular Monday news conference, coach Steve Spagnuolo looked out the window at Rams Park and quipped: "The sun's out, that's a good sign, right? The sun came up. Everybody's OK." If only everybody were OK. The news could've been worse on quarterback Marc Bulger. Even so, he'll still probably miss a minimum of a week or two with what Spagnuolo called a bruised rotator cuff in his throwing shoulder. "It's not torn; it's a bruised rotator cuff," Spagnuolo said. Wide receiver Laurent Robinson wasn't so "lucky." Robinson, easily the Rams' top pass catcher through the preseason and early regular season, is almost certainly out for the season with a high ankle ..."
St. Louis Rams trade Tye Hill to Atlanta for 2010 draft pick
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September 2
St. Louis Post-Dispatch
 
"The star-crossed draft Class of 2006 took a couple of big hits Tuesday at Rams Park. For openers, tight end Joe Klopfenstein - a second-round pick in '06 - was among four players released as the Rams got down to Tuesday's mandatory roster limit of 75 players. No real surprise there, given his lack of playing time this preseason, coupled with his inability to make much happen when he did play. But later Tuesday came the surprise, the trade of cornerback Tye Hill to Atlanta for a seventh-round pick in the 2010 draft. Hill was the Rams' first-round pick in '06, the 15th overall player selected that year. For more than one Rams player, Hill's departure went beyond surprise. "Hearing news like ..."
Rams bring in veteran RB Green for workout
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August 20
NFL.com
 
"Four-time Pro Bowl RB Ahman Green worked out for St. Louis this week as the team examines its options at the position. The Rams have Steven Jackson, a 2007 Pro Bowler, as their starting running back, with Kenneth Darby, Samkon Gado and Antonio Pittman as the experienced backups behind him. Green, who endured two injury-plagued seasons with the Texans, is one of several high-profile running backs still on the market, including Edgerrin James, Shaun Alexander and Warrick Dunn. All have had a tough time finding work this offseason, although NFL.com's Steve Wyche reports that Dunn received calls from the Eagles and Seahawks."
Barron's knee injury doesn't look serious
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August 19
St. Louis Post-Dispatch
 
"Already rocked by the losses of their No. 1 quarterback and wide receiver, the Rams were due for some good news on the injury front. And they got some Tuesday afternoon. An MRI exam of left tackle Alex Barron's swollen knee showed no serious problem. Barron, who sat out both practices Tuesday, will be day-to-day as the trainers try to get the puffiness down, coach Steve Spagnuolo said. In Barron's absence, veteran Adam Goldberg slid over to left tackle from right tackle, and rookie Jason Smith moved up to the first unit at right tackle. That isn't necessarily how they'd line up if Barron is out for Friday night's home preseason game against Atlanta, Spagnuolo indicated."
Three teams Michael Vick should be calling: Redskins, Vikings and Rams all might be a good fit
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August 13
New York Daily News
 
"Michael Vick is coming back to play quarterback in the NFL, and right now he and his agent, Joel Segal, are looking for a team that's going to give him that opportunity. But where? Where is the best place for the former Falcon to restart his career? If I were Segal, these are three teams I'd be calling - burning up the phone lines and selling the idea of Vick as the future at the quarterback position. 1. Washington Redskins I played three seasons for Daniel Snyder's 'Skins, and I know firsthand that he likes to bring in talent, regardless of the situation. And one thing we have to understand is that all publicity - good or bad - is right for the city of D.C. Because one thing Mr. Snyder ..."
St. Louis Rams sign seventh-round pick
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July 28
St. Louis Post-Dispatch
 
"The Rams signed seventh-round draft pick Chris Ogbonnaya, a running back from the University of Texas, to a four-year contract Monday. Financial details were not immediately available. League sources indicated that the team also has reached agreement on deals with fourth-round pick Darell Scott, a defensive tackle from Clemson, and sixth-rounder Keith Null, a quarterback from West Texas A"
Rams trade for WR Ronald Curry
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July 22
St. Louis Post-Dispatch
 
"The Rams have added some much-needed experience _ and size _ to their wide receiver corps. League sources told the Post-Dispatch on Wednesday that the team has acquired WR Ronald Curry from the Detroit Lions in a trade for defensive tackle Orien Harris. Harris' tenure with the Rams was a short one _ he was acquired from Cincinnati on May 7 in a trade for running back Brian Leonard. Curry, 30, is 6-2, 210. He caught 19 passes for 191 yards and two TDs last season with Oakland. The Raiders released him in February, and he was signed as a street free agent by the Lions in April."
Ex-Falcon Foster likely headed to Rams
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June 19
Atlanta Journal-Constitution
 
"Offensive tackle Renardo Foster, who was released by the Falcons on Tuesday, appears headed to the St. Louis Rams. St. Louis has placed a waiver claim for Foster, according to his agent Brian Ayrault. Denver, Buffalo and Carolina were also reportedly interested in Foster. The waiver period ends on Friday for Foster. Waiver claims are awarded to a team with the worst record. The only team who could beat a claim from the Rams, who were 2-14 last season, would be the Detroit Lions, who were 0-16. If the Lions don't make a claim, the Rams will assume the last year of the two-year contract Foster signed in 2007. Foster, 6-foot-7, 340-pounds, made the team as an undrafted rookie free agent in ..."
Veteran QB Green retires after 15 seasons
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June 12
Foxsports.com
 
"With one aged quarterback constantly in the news, another long-time vet has quietly decided to hang up the cleats. Trent Green, who began his NFL career in 1993, told FOXSports.com Friday morning that he has finally decided to retire. Green had a very strong career with the Chargers, Redskins, Rams, Chiefs, Dolphins and finally, the Rams. "I feel this is finally the right time," Green said while on vacation with his family. "I've talked about it with (the family) for a while, especially with the concussions over the last few years. We all felt it was the time to do it." Green started every game for the Chiefs from 2001 through 2005, never passing for less than 3,600 yards in any of those ..."
Why the Rams won't be returning to Los Angeles
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June 7
Chicago Tribune
 
"The owners of the St. Louis Rams have retained Goldman Sachs to line up potential buyers. Fans there are fretting that they once again will lose their NFL team, especially because the Rams' old town has been without a franchise since 1995. Is it time for their fans to pre-emptively pester the patron saint of lost things? Should St. Louis pray to St. Anthony? As compelling as that story line sounds -- the Rams returning to Los Angeles -- it isn't going to happen. Not now. And maybe not ever. There are plenty of reasons there won't be an L.A. reboot of the Rams. Here are some of them: Cost: Rams owners are hoping to get at least $850 million for the team, and a privately financed stadium ..."
St. Louis Rams, for sale, Chip Rosenbloom, NFL, National Football League rules, 30 percent, Dave Checketts, St. Louis Blues owner, NHL, cross-ownership rules, Blues chairman, St. Louis Rams, for sale,
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June 3
St. Louis Post-Dispatch
 
"If the potential Rams ownership group being assembled by Blues Chairman Dave Checketts becomes a reality, at least one member must have very deep pockets - to the tune of more than a quarter of a billion dollars. NFL ownership rules require that a single individual must have total voting and management control of the club. And that person must own at least 30 percent of the team. So get your calculators out, and let's do the math. Forbes recently valued the Rams franchise at $929 million. Historically, Forbes' NFL franchise valuations have been relatively close to actual sale prices when franchises change hands. But as one longtime NFL executive told the Post-Dispatch: "In this economy, ..."
St. Louis Rams soon will be put up for sale
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June 1
St. Louis Post-Dispatch
 
"Here's an early heads-up for any wealthy individuals, families or potential investor groups in the St. Louis area who dream of owning an NFL franchise: You're in luck. But you might want to act fast, because the Rams are likely to hit the open market in the near future, officially offered for sale by majority owners Chip Rosenbloom and Lucia Rodriguez. After inheriting control of the Rams in early 2008 from their late mother, Georgia Frontiere, Rosenbloom and Rodriguez have concentrated on reorganizing the football operation. And they've had to deal with complex estate-tax issues in the aftermath of their mother's death. With substantial progress made in those areas, the timetable for a ..."
WR Tim Carter works to catch on with St. Louis Rams
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May 24
St. Louis Post-Dispatch
 
"It's doubtful whether wide receiver Tim Carter, who is trying to land a spot on the Rams' roster after coming to town on a tryout basis, has many fans in St. Louis. But a group of young men in Houston are rooting hard for him. They're "Carter's Kids," residents of a treatment center for at-risk youths that Tim and his wife, LaShell, opened last year. They hope eventually to expand throughout Texas. "I have 24 teenagers that are amazing that I work with now," Carter explained. Getting the center up and running was a big-time commitment, and it partly explains why Carter was out of football last year. In addition to "Carter's Kids," he opened two Popeye's chicken franchises last year in his ..."
Is IR system in line for a change?
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May 21
Boston Globe
 
"When the NFL adopted its system for placing players on season-ending injured reserve, the main issue was stashing. Teams had long been allowed to place players on injured reserve and bring them back later in the season. But some felt that clubs were circumventing the rule by placing players who weren't truly injured on IR, opening a roster spot for someone else. Thus, a competitive advantage was scored. Colts president Bill Polian remembers high-profile coaches and personnel executives, such as Don Shula and Jim Finks, pushing for a change to combat stashing, and it finally came in 1993, when the league made two significant adjustments. At that time, players placed on injured reserve would ..."
Rams release linebacker Pisa Tinoisamoa
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May 9
St. Louis Post-Dispatch
 
"Linebacker Pisa Tinoisamoa bid a gracious adieu to the Rams after being released Friday. "I really like the direction they're going," he said. "Because the team wasn't winning, you knew this year was going to be different, and a lot of faces would be different. I didn't really honestly think it would involve me. But the change is here, it's come, and I think it's a good change. If something isn't working, you've got to figure things out." Tinoisamoa, 27, led the Rams in tackles in four of his six seasons but didn't fit the mold of coach Steve Spagnuolo, who prefers bigger linebackers. Neither Spagnuolo nor general manager Billy Devaney was available for comment Friday, though Spagnuolo ..."
Bengals trade for running back
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May 7
Cincinnati Enquirer
 
"Roy Williams' is officially a Bengal while the team might've found a backup at running back. Williams, a five-time Pro Bowl selection, officially signed his contract this afternoon with a 2:30 press conference scheduled at Paul Brown Stadium. He arrived in town today and will be reunited with defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer, who was his coordinator in Dallas from 2003-06. However the Bengals' wheeling and dealing was not done. They made a trade with St. Louis, sending DT Orien Harris to the Rams in exchange for RB Brian Leonard. Leonard started in seven games as a rookie in 2007 and finished with 303 yards on 86 carries. His best game came on Oct. 7, 2007, against Arizona when he had 102 ..."
WR Bennett works out for Falcons
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April 30
NFL.com
 
"Veteran WR Drew Bennett, who was released by the Rams after two injury-plagued, unproductive seasons, worked out for the Falcons on Thursday. Bennett joined St. Louis after five solid seasons with Tennessee. Of his 307 career catches, only 34 came with St. Louis — he had just one last season because of injuries to the lower extremities."
Rams, who pick second, buy Sanchez a plane ticket
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April 25
NFL.com
 
"Things have been overly crazy today, with information overload that entails a lot of deciphering and massaging. I am in St. Louis at Rams Park for the draft this weekend, and chatter has been flying all over the place. One thing that could be legit or be a ploy (it is interesting, if nothing else): The Rams, who hold the No. 2 overall pick in the draft, have purchased a plane ticket for USC QB Mark Sanchez to fly from Los Angeles to St. Louis on Sunday, when the team plans to introduce its top selection. While the Rams have bought a ticket (hopefully, it's refundable), they might not select Sanchez. The thinking emanating from a lot of folks around here is that St. Louis will select Baylor ..."
Tackle need looks too big to ignore
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April 25
St. Louis Post-Dispatch
 
"Through the weeks of pre-draft buildup. ... From the college all-star games to the NFL scouting combine. ... From the campus pro days to last week's pre-draft visits. ... Through all that evaluation, the Rams are smack dab back where they where at the end of December. Namely, realizing that they have a crater-sized hole on the depth chart at offensive tackle. Early this week, the Rams narrowed their possible first-round picks to four players: quarterback Mark Sanchez of Southern California; linebacker Aaron Curry of Wake Forest; offensive tackle Eugene Monroe of Virginia; and offensive tackle Jason Smith of Baylor. Michael Crabtree, the wide receiver from Texas Tech, basically eliminated ..."
Rams have eye on Aaron Curry with No. 2 pick
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April 21
St. Louis Post-Dispatch
 
"In a 2009 draft class that's short on star quality, Wake Forest linebacker Aaron Curry sticks out like a sore thumb. "First of all, you're getting top-shelf character," said a veteran NFC scout, speaking on the condition of anonymity. "You're getting versatility. You can play him inside, outside. He's an impact player wherever he's going to go. "Wherever he plays, he's going to line up early and be an impact player. He's big. He's fast. He's physical. He gets off blocks. It doesn't take long to see. Just turn on the tape, and you say, 'OK!' " There's no doubt the Rams think very highly of Curry as well. He's one of four players the Rams are considering with the No. 2 overall pick, along ..."
Jaguars, Holt working toward a deal
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April 19
Jacksonville Times-Union
 
"The Jaguars are making progress toward finalizing a contract with free-agent receiver Torry Holt, team sources revealed. But as of late Saturday night, no deal appeared imminent. Jaguars coach Jack Del Rio and Holt's agent, Gregory Williams, did not return calls. Sources familiar with the situation said the wide receiver would like to join the Jaguars, but the team is looking to make a deal that makes sense financially. Before his release, Holt was scheduled to make $8 million this season with the St. Louis Rams, which doesn't fall in line with Jacksonville's philosophy of fiscal frugality toward free agents this year. Holt, a 10-year veteran, caught 64 passes for 796 yards and three ..."
St. Louis Rams eye RBs in draft
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April 17
St. Louis Post-Dispatch
 
"It's no big secret. Way back in late November, Rams general manager Billy Devaney was talking about the need to have a strong 1-2 punch at running back in 2009 and beyond. "The way the game is now, you need two good running backs," Devaney said at the time. "One that can spell the starter during the course of the game. Or if the starter gets nicked for a game or two, you don't lose anything by going with your backup running back." No, the big secret is: What are the Rams planning to do about their backup running back position? At the start of the free agency period, new Rams coach Steve Spagnuolo spoke with New York Giants running back Derrick Ward about the possibility of playing for the ..."
St. Louis Rams mull options at offensive tackle with No. 2 pick
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April 15
St. Louis Post-Dispatch
 
"Michael Oher of Mississippi appears to have faded out of the top 10. The same holds for Andre Smith of Alabama. For a team with a top pick - like the Rams at No. 2 overall - that leaves only two possible options at offensive tackle in the upcoming draft: Eugene Monroe of Virginia and Jason Smith of Baylor. There are some at Rams Park who like Monroe better - he's generally viewed as a more athletic pass blocker. There are some who favor Jason Smith - he's generally viewed as a more aggressive run blocker. But is either really good enough to take at No. 2 overall? Keeping in mind that only the Rams' opinion matters, there seems to be a difference of opinion on that question around the ..."
Sources: Pace to sign with Bears
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April 2
ESPN.com
 
"On the same day the Chicago Bears added a new quarterback, they got someone to protect him. The Bears have agreed to terms with Orlando Pace, a source tells ESPN's Michael Smith. Moments after acquiring quarterback Jay Cutler from the Denver Broncos, the Bears reached an agreement to sign former Rams left tackle Pace. Terms of the deal weren't immediately available. Pace will reunite with Lovie Smith, who was the defensive coordinator for the Rams when Pace was considered one of the best left tackles in football."
OT Pace, CB Lucas visit Bears
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March 31
Chicago Sun-Times
 
"More than a month after free agency opened, the Bears are exploring some interesting options. Seven-time Pro Bowl offensive tackle Orlando Pace and cornerback Ken Lucas visited Halas Hall on Monday. Both players were cut for salary-cap reasons -- Pace by St. Louis and Lucas by Carolina -- and Pace is believed to be in negotiations with Baltimore on a deal. If that doesn't work out, the Bears could move quickly and perhaps dramatically alter their draft plan. The Bears signed Kevin Shaffer last week to fill the void at right tackle. If the Bears add Pace, 33, it could signal that they don't believe there will be solid tackle options available with their first- and second-round picks (Nos. ..."
Tackle Orlando Pace visits Chicago Bears
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March 31
Chicago Tribune
 
"Losing both starting offensive tackles from last season has the Bears considering all options, including a veteran named to seven Pro Bowls. Orlando Pace, who was cut March 10 in a move that saved St. Louis $6 million in salary-cap space, visited Halas Hall on Monday. Pace, 33, played 12 seasons in St. Louis, including three while Bears coach Lovie Smith was the Rams' defensive coordinator. He was the No. 1 overall pick in 1997. The 6-foot-7-inch, 325-pounder was not the only veteran in town Monday. Cornerback Ken Lucas, who was released by Carolina, also was at Halas Hall. Lucas, 30, made headlines last season after teammate Steve Smith punched him, leading to Smith's suspension. The ..."
Former Ram Holt visits Jaguars
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March 27
St. Louis Post-Dispatch
 
"Like former teammate Orlando Pace, former Ram Torry Holt isn't rushing into finding a new team. Nonetheless, Holt made a free-agent visit to Jacksonville on Thursday, where the Jaguars have released wide receivers Matt Jones and Jerry Porter since the end of last season. Jacksonville's top wideout currently under contract is Dennis Northcutt, so Holt could step in and be the team's No. 1 target if he signs with the Jaguars. Despite its dire need for receiver help, Jacksonville isn't expected to offer anything close to the $8 million Holt was scheduled to make in St. Louis this season before his release March 13. It's believed the Jaguars will offer Holt an incentive-laden deal. Holt had ..."
Wide receiver Holt visiting Jaguars
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March 26
Jacksonville Times-Union
 
"The Jaguars may be addressing their need for help at wide receiver. Free agent Torry Holt, released by the St. Louis Rams earlier this month, plans to visit the Jaguars today, the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reported. Holt, 32, is a former Pro Bowler and the Rams' leaving receiver over the past decade. He had more than 1,000 yards receiving for eight consecutive seasons, a streak that ended last year. Holt, who has 74 career touchdowns, was released by the Rams on March 13."
Former St. Louis Ram Torry Holt to visit Jacksonville
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March 26
St. Louis Post-Dispatch
 
"Following his March 13 release from the St. Louis Rams, wide receiver Torry Holt took some time to regroup and recharge. He left the country on vacation, but returned earlier this week, and now he's going about the business of finding a new job. To wit, league sources told the Post-Dispatch on Wednesday evening that Holt will be paying a free-agent visit to the Jacksonville Jaguars on Thursday. Jacksonville is in dire need of receiving help."
Rams say they will get more receivers
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March 18
St. Louis Post-Dispatch
 
""We're going to probably incorporate some wishbone this year," Devaney said with a straight face. "You only need one receiver on the field if you're going to run the wishbone. We haven't told (Marc) Bulger that yet." But seriously ... "We're not kidding anybody," Devaney said. "We need to add some numbers, whether it's a veteran in the next couple weeks. Whether it's through the draft. Whether it's after the draft. We'll be bringing some people in at some point. "And just because you recognize a certain position where you need help, we're not going to training camp next week. So we've got time. We don't want to just sign somebody because we have to have somebody. We want to make sure we ..."
Cleveland Browns talking to St. Louis Rams offensive lineman Adam Goldberg
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March 12
Cleveland Plain Dealer
 
"St. Louis Rams unrestricted free agent offensive lineman Adam Goldberg, 28, is visiting the Browns today, according to his agent, Joe Linta. Goldberg (6-7, 318), started games at all four guard and tackle spots in 2008, giving the Browns a lot of options with him. He made six starts last season and played in all 16 games. "I think Adam is the kind of guy (coach Eric Mangini) would like,'' said Linta. "He's smart, durable, tough, and a team guy.'' Originally signed by the Vikings out of Wyoming as an undrafted free agent in 2004, he spent two years in Minnesota and three with the Rams after being traded there in 2006. Goldberg also has a chance to re-sign with the Rams."
Not likely Rams receiver Torry Holt will catch on with Jets
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March 11
New York Daily News
 
"The Jets could use a veteran wide receiver to replace Laveranues Coles, but they took a pass on Terrell Owens and they have no interest in the Rams' Torry Holt, according to a person familiar with the team's thinking. Holt's longtime position coach in St. Louis, Henry Ellard, is now the Jets' receivers coach, fueling speculation of a possible reunion. Holt is on the trading block and, if he's not dealt by March 17, he will be released because the Rams don't want to pay a $1.25 million roster bonus that day. Holt has caught more passes for more yards than any receiver in the NFL this decade, but he turns 33 and his production dropped significantly last season. There's also some concern ..."
Source: Karney, Rams agree to contract
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March 11
ESPN.com
 
"The St. Louis Rams finally have a full backfield after reaching a three-year contract agreement with fullback Mike Karney on Tuesday night. Karney agreed to a three-year, $3.6 million contract that includes $1.2 million in guarantees, according to a source. The Rams have been struggling at that position since they released Madison Hedgecock in 2007. Hedgecock ended up becoming a Pro Bowl alternate for the New York Giants last season. The signing of Karney gives St. Louis a chance to be more successful in two-back formations. The 27-year-old Karney was named to the All-Pro team in 2006 when he played for the New Orleans Saints. The Saints released him on March 5, putting one of the league's ..."
St. Louis Rams release Orlando Pace
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March 11
St. Louis Post-Dispatch
 
"Rams fans, say goodbye to Orlando Pace and hello to Alex Barron, the team's new left tackle. What had been rumored for weeks became reality Tuesday afternoon, when Pace - a seven-time Pro Bowler - was released after 12 seasons with the Rams. The saves about $6 million under the salary cap as the Rams' new regime continues to overhaul the roster in the wake of the team's 5-27 performance over the past two seasons. In 12 years with the Rams, the 33-year-old Pace - the No. 1 overall draft pick in 1997 - played in 158 games, with 154 starts. All were at the vital left tackle position. "I can't begin to thank Orlando for all he has meant to the Rams organization," team owner Chip Rosenbloom ..."
Another offensive tackle on market after Orlando Pace released
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March 11
Chicago Tribune
 
"Naturally, Orlando Pace being released by the St. Louis Rams is sure to generate speculation about the Pro Bowl left tackle's next destination. Chicago? It's not going to happen. The Bears could use a tackle with John Tait retiring and unrestricted free agent John St. Clair still not re-signed. And Pace has a history with Bears coach Lovie Smith, who used to be the Rams' defensive coordinator. But the Bears will continue the approach of not going after aging veterans this off-season at any position. Money is part of the reason. Getting younger also factors into the equation. The Bears say re-signing St. Clair, who turns 32 in July, is a priority but already have a backup plan in ..."
Fullback to visit; Romberg signs with Falcons
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March 10
St. Louis Post-Dispatch
 
"Rams officials will meet today with free-agent fullback Mike Karney at Rams Park. The team is looking for a lead-blocking fullback, and the 5-11, 255-pound Karney, released by the New Orleans Saints on Thursday, could fill the bill. Karney, 27, is an Arizona State product who has spent all five of his NFL seasons in New Orleans. The Rams also had shown interest in former New England fullback Heath Evans, but he signed with the Saints last week. Center Brett Romberg, who became expendable when the Rams signed free-agent center Jason Brown, has landed a job with the Atlanta Falcons."
St. Louis Rams consider Gus Frerotte as backup quarterback
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March 7
St. Louis Post-Dispatch
 
"Could Gus Frerotte be in line for a second tour of duty as the No. 2 quarterback in St. Louis? The Rams are considering bringing him in for a free-agent visit next week. Frerotte, 37, is a veteran of 15 NFL seasons. Last season in Minnesota, the Vikings were 8-3 in the 11 games he started. For the year, he completed 178 of 301 passes (59.1 percent) for 2,157 yards and 12 touchdowns. But he also threw 15 interceptions, which tied for the fourth highest total in the league in 2008. Frerotte backed up Marc Bulger here in 2006 and 2007, coach Scott Linehan's first two seasons with St. Louis, and started three games in '07. The terminology of coach Brad Childress' offense in Minnesota is very ..."
NFL free agent market slows down
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March 5
St. Louis Post-Dispatch
 
"Now that cornerback Ron Bartell has decided to return to St. Louis, agreeing to a four-year deal, the Rams are two-thirds of the way along in their Killer Bs strategy to open free agency. Baltimore center Jason Brown signed with the team on Saturday. Bartell agreed on Monday. And James Butler ... ? Call Butler a work in progress. Talks continue with Kevin and Carl Poston, the agents for Butler, the safety from the New York Giants. Butler has gotten nibbles from the Cleveland Browns and San Francisco 49ers but so far has taken no trips. The Rams remain optimistic they can get a deal done with Butler in what has been a soft safety market so far. On Tuesday, Baltimore safety Jim Leonhard ..."
Torry Holt tells St. Louis Rams he wants out
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March 5
St. Louis Post-Dispatch
 
"Seven-time Pro Bowler Torry Holt, a mainstay of the Rams' Greatest Show on Turf teams, has asked for his release, league sources told the Post-Dispatch on Wednesday. But the Rams still have 12 days to grant his wish. Holt, 32, is due a roster bonus of $1.25 million March 17, so it's highly unlikely he will be a Ram beyond then. But the Rams could still try to trade him until then, meaning any potential trade partner wouldn't have to compete for his services, as would be the case if he were released. Today marks only the seventh day of the free agency period. But more than 100 players already have either signed with new teams or re-signed with their old squad. Hundreds of millions of ..."