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QB RB WR TE PK | All Non-IDP | DT DE DL ILB OLB LB CB S DB | All the news | FBG News Blogger Archive
Rams | Mo Alexander cleared Wed Jul 23, 01:06 PM
St. Louis Rams SS Mo Alexander (knee) has been cleared to participate in training camp and took part in practice Tuesday, July 22.
Link to story Rams | Mason Brodine to work on both sides of ball Wed Jul 23, 01:06 PM
St. Louis Rams DE Mason Brodine said the team asked him if he would be able to work at defensive end and tight end during training camp, and he was open to the idea.
Link to story Rams | Four cut Wed Jul 23, 02:46 AM
The St. Louis Rams waived four players Tuesday, July 22, as they cut loose OL Abasi Salimu, WR Diontae Spencer, LB Caleb McSurdy, and LB Tavarius Wilson.
Link to storyCaleb McSurdy player page
Rams | Tavon Austin discusses learning the game Tue Jul 22, 11:48 PM
St. Louis Rams WR Tavon Austin admitted that he was lost as a rookie in 2013, struggling to pick up the playbook. The No. 8 overall pick said it was like a foreign language to him but added that now he has a much better grasp of the system. 'I understand the plays, the depth, the routes, the splits and everything,' Austin said. 'I just feel good that I can make some plays. Definitely, the game's slowed down for me.'
| Footballguys view: Austin is a talented player, but he failed to play up to his potential in 2013 as a rookie. We'll see if he can have a better season now that the game has slowed down for him. It will depend on his development, but it will also depend on whether or not OC Brian Schottenheimer is creative enough to use a talent like Austin correctly. |
Tavon Austin player page
Rams | Two placed on NFI list Tue Jul 22, 05:51 PM
The St. Louis Rams placed FS C.B. Bryant and DE Ethan Westbrooks on the non-football injury list.
Link to story Rams | Sign three more Tue Jul 22, 05:45 PM
The St. Louis Rams signed free-agents OT R.J. Dill (Chiefs), OL D.J. Morrell (Lions) and LB Lawrence Wilson (Bears).
Link to storyLawrence Wilson player page
Rams | Sign Pat Schiller Tue Jul 22, 01:41 PM
The St. Louis Rams signed LB Pat Schiller (Falcons) Tuesday, July 22. Terms of the contract were not disclosed.
Link to story Rams | Ray Ray Armstrong may see more time Mon Jul 21, 09:41 AM
St. Louis Rams LB Ray Ray Armstrong has impressed coaches and was already poised to push for an expanded role before LB Jo-Lonn Dunbar's arrest. Armstrong could have an opportunity to replace Dunbar at strong-side linebacker.
Link to storyJo-Lonn Dunbar player page
Rams | Jo-Lonn Dunbar arrested Sun Jul 20, 02:51 PM
St. Louis Rams LB Jo-Lonn Dunbar and NBA free-agent Donte Greene were arrested Sunday, July 20, for fighting with each other outside the Dream Nightclub in Miami Beach, Fla. According to police detective Vivian Thayer, both athletes face charges of battery and disorderly conduct. Neither man remains in custody and details about the bonds they posted are unknown. No other arrests were made.
Link to storyJo-Lonn Dunbar player page
Rams | Special team expected to be important for Michael Sam Sat Jul 19, 08:39 PM
St. Louis Rams DE Michael Sam's chances to make the final roster probably will depend on how he performs on special teams.
| Footballguys view: Sam lacks elite athleticism, but he was able to win SEC Co-Defensive Player of the Year in 2013 because of his drive, heart and non-stop motor. We'll see if he can stand out on special teams in order to make the active roster. His ability as a part-time pass-rusher could land him on the practice squad (at least) in 2014. |
Rams | Two TEs may compete for one spot Sat Jul 19, 08:39 PM
St. Louis Rams TEs Justice Cunningham and Alex Bayer may compete for one roster spot during training camp if the team decides to keep four tight ends.
Link to storyJustice Cunningham player page
Rams | Brian Quick has become good blocker Mon Jul 14, 09:00 AM
St. Louis Rams WR Brian Quick has developed into a good run blocker on the edge, but that has been his greatest contribution thus far.
| Footballguys view: Awesome. Too bad he still struggles with winning at the point of the catch. He's becoming the latest incarnation of Darrius Heyward-Bey (Steelers). Quick is big, fast but not physical. He doesn't understand how to use his frame to keep defenders away from the ball. He needs to develop better "my ball" mentality if he wants to start playing up to his potential as a pro. |
Brian Quick player page
Rams | Will Witherspoon praises Kenny Britt Fri Jul 11, 01:13 PM
Free agent LB Will Witherspoon (Rams) praised WR Kenny Britt, saying he will be huge boost for the team's offense. 'I think the addition of Kenny Britt will be a huge boost for the Rams offense. I expect him to blossom into a star,' Witherspoon said.
| Footballguys view: Talent has never been a question with Britt. He's phenomenally gifted, but Britt has struggled to impress as a pro due to injury and inconsistency. Just like Jared Cook last year, Britt is getting a fresh start with the Rams (and former Titans head coach Jeff Fisher) this year. We'll see if it pays off. |
Will Witherspoon player page
Kenny Britt player page
Rams | Competition for final WR spot Mon Jul 7, 11:32 PM
With St. Louis Rams WR Stedman Bailey suspended the first four games of the season, WR Jordan Harris and WR Diontae Spencer have an outside shot to make the roster, according to ESPN.com's Nick Wagoner. Wagoner added that WR Emory Blake is also in the mix for Bailey's spot and could have an edge after spending time on the team's practice squad last year.
| Footballguys view: More important for fantasy players is the possibility the suspension gives to Kenny Britt or Brian Quick to turn their declining careers around. It's still a longshot for either to have fantasy relevance this year, but the talent is there, and this suspension creates the opportunity. |
Rams | Alec Ogletree could thrive under new coach Fri Jun 27, 12:09 PM
St. Louis Rams LB Alec Ogletree could thrive under defensive coordinator Gregg Williams in 2014. "It's a lot of the same stuff we did last year, but it's just a lot more aggressive,'' the second-year outside linebacker said earlier this week at Rams Park in Earth City. 'You can already see the difference, even though it's only OTAs. Guys are flying around and having fun. We just seem to be a lot more comfortable with each other and I definitely think coach Williams is going to make a big difference.'
| Footballguys view: Ogletree can fly all over the football field, and he's known as a disruptive player. Under Williams we'll see the Rams play with an even more swarming style and mentality than they did last year. Williams was supposed to be the team's DC in 2012, but he was suspended by the league for his role in "BountyGate." He spent last year as a senior assistant coach for the Titans. Now, Williams is back with the Rams and he'll make their tough defense even more dangerous. |
Rams | Most of dead money tied to Cortland Finnegan Wed Jun 25, 12:16 AM
The St. Louis Rams will absorb an estimated $6 million in dead salary cap space in 2014 after releasing CB Cortland Finnegan (Dolphins) earlier this offseason. St. Louis has approximately $1.75 million in available cap room, as of Tuesday, June 24.
| Footballguys view: Finnegan is an example of a player Jeff Fisher was reunited with after coming back to coach the Rams that did not deliver on the money he was paid. Jared Cook is another. We'll see if Kenny Britt gets added to the list this year. On the other hand, former Titan William Hayes has been a success, so not all of Fisher's old loyalties have turned out to be bad investments. |
Rams | Austin Pettis key in red zone Tue Jun 24, 08:41 AM
St. Louis Rams WR Austin Pettis did some of his best work in the red zone this spring. It's clear that QB Sam Bradford has a lot of confidence in Pettis in the red zone.
| Footballguys view: Pettis has caught eight touchdowns combined over the last two years. We'll see if Bradford can stay healthy and keep targeting Pettis near pay dirt. We're not expecting much from Pettis and aren't that excited about his upside--even in deep dynasty leagues. Watch him in camp and the preseason to see if things turned around. |
Austin Pettis player page
Rams | Expanding Tavon Austin's role Tue Jun 24, 08:40 AM
St. Louis Rams offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer hinted the team will expand WR Tavon Austin's role this season. 'Moving him around to a lot of different spots,' Schottenheimer said. 'You'll see us hand him the ball, do some different things. He's playing so much faster just because he knows what we're doing. He has the system down cold.'
| Footballguys view: This is what the Rams should be doing. Austin has the ability to score anytime he touches the ball. He can be used effectively in space, and Austin has the speed to outrun angles of pursuit. He's a big-play weapon who could outperform his current ADP of WR43 (9.10) in 12-team PPR leagues. |
Tavon Austin player page
Rams | Brian Quick praised by offensive coordinator Mon Jun 23, 06:30 PM
St. Louis Rams WR Brian Quick is the team's most improved player, according to offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer. Schottenheimer said Quick is competing for playing time and is making the most of his opportunities.
| Footballguys view: Quick has been a disappointment so far during his pro career. He's a big-bodied wide receiver, but he lacks a physical element to his game. Quick should be able to win at the point of the catch, but he rarely does because he doesn't use his size to his advantage. |
Brian Quick player page
Rams | Jake Long update Mon Jun 23, 12:40 PM
St. Louis Rams OT Jake Long (knee) hasn't done any 11-on-11 work yet, but he has appeared to be moving well doing rehab drills. He's expected to be ready for the season opener.
| Footballguys view: The Rams have reworked their offensive line, but the most important piece is still Long. He'll be tasked with protecting Sam Bradford's blind side as the team faces off in a brutal NFC West division that features some of the best pass-rushers in the league. Having Long at full strength is a boost for the entire team. |
Rams | Sam Bradford may be ahead of schedule Mon Jun 23, 12:38 PM
St. Louis Rams QB Sam Bradford (knee) has gotten more work than expected this month and looked especially sharp in practice Thursday, June 19.
| Footballguys view: It's a make-or-break year for the veteran quarterback. Before missing the final nine games with a knee injury, Bradford was on pace to have his best season as a pro. Through seven games, Bradford was on pace for 32 touchdowns, nine interceptions, and career-best marks in completion rate and passer rating. We'll see if he can stay healthy and finally impress for a full season in 2014. If not, the Rams should start looking for another franchise quarterback. |
Sam Bradford player page
Rams | Greg Robinson a work in progress Fri Jun 20, 06:13 PM
St. Louis Rams OG Greg Robinson, the No. 2 overall pick in this year's draft, is frustrated that he's not making much progress in his transition from left tackle to starting left guard this offseason. 'I didn't know what to expect, honestly,' Robinson said. 'I put a lot of pressure on myself because I like to challenge myself. It's something I want to do and just stand out to the coaches and let them be comfortable with their choice.' Robinson hasn't played the guard spot since high school. Offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer, however, is pleased with Robinson's progress and knows the transition won't come overnight. Robinson will focus more on his technique as a pass protector, the area of his game most in need of work, during training camp.
| Footballguys view: Robinson has once-in-a-generation like talent. We'll see if he can use his size and athleticism to make his mark as a pro. |
Rams | Sam Bradford should be ready for preseason Fri Jun 20, 01:41 PM
St. Louis Rams QB Sam Bradford (knee) should be ready for the preseason, according to head coach Jeff Fisher. Bradford has been on and off practicing this offseason, but Fisher thinks he has Pro Bowl potential, saying Bradford possesses the vision, decision-making, arm strength and mobility to put up great numbers.
| Footballguys view: The team has invested a lot of time and money in Bradford. This is it for him. If he doesn't get it done this year, the Rams are likely to move on. Bradford has a ton of weapons around him, and the team has upgraded the offensive line. He needs to stay healthy and produce if he wants to stick around in St. Louis. |
Sam Bradford player page
Rams | Sam Bradford in back-to-back practices Thu Jun 19, 03:31 PM
St. Louis Rams QB Sam Bradford (knee) participated in back-to-back practices for the first time during organized team activities Thursday, June 19. He reportedly looked as sharp as he has all offseason.
| Footballguys view: Great news for the Rams and Bradford, who is in a most-perform year. Now he just needs to stay healthy, a big issue for him over the course of his career. We don't see Bradford as more than a QB3 and would only roster him as extra depth in a redraft league. |
Sam Bradford player page
Rams | Kenny Britt practices Thu Jun 19, 03:28 PM
St. Louis Rams WR Kenny Britt (undisclosed) returned to practice Thursday, June 19, after leaving practice Tuesday, June 17.
| Footballguys view: Britt has to stay healthy and out of trouble to make the most of what amounts to a last shot in the NFL. He really isn't worth more than a WR6 or WR7 at this point given how deep he is on the depth chart and the other weapons in the offense. |
Kenny Britt player page
Rams | Tavon Austin has a better understanding of the offense Thu Jun 19, 01:27 PM
St. Louis Rams WR Tavon Austin has a much better understanding of the offense heading into 2014 than he did a year ago. 'I understand coverages better, I understand the plays, the depth of my routes, the splits and everything, so I'm way better off right now,' Austin said. 'I'm just glad to come out here and make some plays to keep on going.'
| Footballguys view: Many expected Austin to have a huge impact in his rookie season but playbook issues and quarterback injury hurt those chances. It should be a different story this year. There are still questions about the quarterback and we have to see the difference in Austin's prep on the field, so right now the staff has him rated as a WR3 or WR4. |
Tavon Austin player page
Rams | RB competition being pushed by OC Wed Jun 18, 02:16 PM
St. Louis Rams RB Zac Stacy isn't officially the team's starting running back. Offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer reiterated that RBs Benny Cunningham, Tre Mason and Isaiah Pead will all compete with Stacy for starter status. Schottenheimer added that each running back has a different skill set that will be used 'throughout the course of the year.'
| Footballguys view: No matter how you cut it, this is not what you want to hear about a second-round fantasy pick in June. Look for Stacy's ADP to fall and Mason's to rise, as this situation appears to be more unstable than expected, even after the Rams took Mason in the third round. |
Brit Miller player page
Zac Stacy player page
Benny Cunningham player page
Tre Mason player page
Rams | Lamarcus Joyner contract details Mon Jun 16, 05:19 PM
Updating a previous report, St. Louis Rams CB Lamarcus Joyner's four-year contract is worth $5.030 million, including $3.924 million guaranteed, with a $1.978 million signing bonus, according to a source.
Link to storyLamarcus Joyner player page
Rams | Aaron Donald contract details Mon Jun 16, 04:39 PM
St. Louis Rams first-round selection DT Aaron Donald's four-year contract is worth $10.136 million guaranteed, with a $5.692 million signing bonus, according to a source. The contract does not include any offset language.
Link to storyAaron Donald player page
Rams | Greg Robinson contract details Mon Jun 16, 04:30 PM
St. Louis Rams first-round selection OG Greg Robinson's four-year contract is worth $21.284 million guaranteed, with a $13.799 million signing bonus, according to a source. The contract does not include any offset language.
Link to story Rams | Mo Alexander recovering from injury Fri Jun 13, 11:41 PM
St. Louis Rams SS Mo Alexander (knee) did not participate in organized team activities Thursday, June 12, because he is recovering from arthroscopic knee surgery.
Link to story Rams | Eight draft picks signed Thu Jun 12, 07:12 PM
The St. Louis Rams have signed second-round draft choice DB Lamarcus Joyner, third-round draft choice RB Tre Mason, fourth-round draft choice S Mo Alexander, sixth-round draft choices QB Garrett Gilbert and CB E.J. Gaines and seventh-round draft choices OT Mitchell Van Dyk, S C.B. Bryant and C Demetrius Rhaney. Terms of the contract were not disclosed but all contracts signed by draft picks are four-year deals, according to NFL rules.
Link to storyTre Mason player page
Lamarcus Joyner player page
Rams | Aaron Donald signed Thu Jun 12, 07:07 PM
The St. Louis Rams have signed first-round draft choice DT Aaron Donald. Terms of the contract were not disclosed but all contracts signed by draft picks are four-year deals, according to NFL rules.
Link to storyAaron Donald player page
Rams | Sign Michael Sam Thu Jun 12, 06:11 PM
The St. Louis Rams signed seventh-round selection DE/LB Michael Sam. Per NFL policy, all drafted rookies sign four-year deals.
| Footballguys view: Sam will have minimal IDP value this year, and will probably start out as a special teams player. He landed in a good spot to learn, but the line is so deep it may be some time before he gets to see regular snaps. |
Rams | Sign Greg Robinson Thu Jun 12, 06:10 PM
The St. Louis Rams signed first-round selection OG Greg Robinson. Per NFL policy, all drafted rookies sign four-year deals.
| Footballguys view: The Rams signed all 11 of their picks today, and Robinson might be the most critical to Sam Bradford's ability to stay healthy. Starting off at left guard, Robinson will help solidify the line and help the team figure out what they have in Bradford. |
Rams | Sam Bradford practices Thu Jun 12, 03:31 PM
St. Louis Rams QB Sam Bradford (knee) got plenty of worn in at practice Thursday, June 12.
| Footballguys view: Bradford getting back on the field and off the trainers table is good news. More half a year removed from his ACL injury, Bradford appears to be as healthy as he ever has been. It's a critical year for him as he is in the final two years of his contract and the Rams need to decide if he is their future or move on. The offensive line is better than it's been in a long time, he has a nice group of receiving weapons and a good running back. However good on NFL fields and good in fantasy lineups are very different things and right now we see Bradford as no better than a low-end QB2 option at best. |
Sam Bradford player page
Rams | Zac Stacy focused on pass protection Wed Jun 11, 02:19 PM
St. Louis Rams RB Zac Stacy is focusing on pass protection this offseason.
| Footballguys view: Stacy had a fine rookie season for the Rams last year. He enters this year as the starting back, but he'll get pushed for playing time by talented rookie Tre Mason. We'll see if Stacy can hold him off in training camp. The team has to find out if Sam Bradford is the answer at quarterback, so protecting the injury-prone veteran is a top priority. |
Zac Stacy player page
Tre Mason player page
Rams | Happy with current WRs Wed Jun 11, 12:53 PM
The St. Louis Rams did not select a wide receiver with any of their 12 selections in this year's draft, and head coach Jeff Fisher said they are happy and confident with the group of young receivers they have on their roster. St. Louis ranked 29th in the league in receiving yards last year, 26th in yards per catch and were tied for 20th in receiving touchdowns. WR Tavon Austin came on strong late in his rookie year, and WRs Chris Givens and Brian Quick are expected to do more in their third seasons with QB Sam Bradford coming off an injury. WR Stedman Bailey will miss the first four games of the season due to a suspension, but the team also took a chance on WR Kenny Britt.
| Footballguys view: The Rams should be happy with their wide receivers as they've made several moves to upgrade the position through the draft and free agency. Britt has been standing out during minicamp, and he's looking for a fresh start after failing to play up to his potential with the Titans. Austin enters his second season with plenty of experience from his rookie year in 2013. We'll see if he can continue to develop as a pro. |
Kenny Britt player page
Chris Givens player page
Brian Quick player page
Tavon Austin player page
Stedman Bailey player page
Rams | No practice for Sam Bradford Tue Jun 10, 03:41 PM
St. Louis Rams QB Sam Bradford (knee) did not participate in practice Tuesday, June 10.
| Footballguys view: Bradford is getting close to returning, but he's not there yet. It's a make-or-break season for Bradford in 2014. He has to stay healthy and start playing up to his potential or else the Rams are going to look elsewhere for a starter. The team should bring him along slowly so Bradford will be ready for Week 1 of the regular season. |
Sam Bradford player page
Rams | Scott Wells reworks contract Mon Jun 9, 02:48 PM
St. Louis Rams C Scott Wells' base salary for 2014 was reduced from $5.5 million to $1 million. He received a bonus of $1.65 million upon completion of the restructured deal and is able to earn up to $850,000 in per game roster bonuses this season. Wells also reduced his 2015 base salary from $5.5 million to $2 million. His 2015 compensation now includes $1.75 million to be earned as a roster bonus.
Link to story Rams | Barrett Jones working at C, OG Sun Jun 8, 11:36 PM
St. Louis Rams C Barrett Jones has received reps at center and offensive guard during organized team activities this offseason. Jones could be the primary backup at center and both guard spots this upcoming season.
Link to story Rams | Mason Brodine changing positions Sat Jun 7, 11:35 AM
The St. Louis Rams have decided to move DE Mason Brodine to tight end this offseason. Brodine probably will have to drop some weight to compete at the position.
Link to story Rams | Michael Sam not a distraction Sat Jun 7, 10:41 AM
St. Louis Rams FS Rodney McLeod said LB Michael Sam has bot been a distraction in his time with the team. "He's here to play football and that's what we do,' McLeod said.
| Footballguys view: There has been no Tebow-like circus around Sam this offseason. The Rams are trying to find out if Sam can be an impact player as a part-time pass-rusher this year. |
Rams | Rodney McLeod praises head coach Sat Jun 7, 10:41 AM
St. Louis Rams FS Rodney McLeod praised head coach Jeff Fisher, saying he only wanted to play for him the rest of his career.
Link to story Rams | Sean Hooey sees time with starters Fri Jun 6, 07:02 PM
St. Louis Rams OT Sean Hooey worked at left tackle with the first-team offense during organized team activities Thursday, June 5.
Link to story Rams | Mike Person works with starters Fri Jun 6, 03:55 PM
St. Louis Rams OT Mike Person worked with the first-team offense in practice Friday, June 6, while OT Jake Long (knee) continued to rehab a knee injury.
Link to story Rams | Sam Bradford practices Fri Jun 6, 03:49 PM
St. Louis Rams QB Sam Bradford (knee) participated in practice Friday June 6. Bradford looked sharp during seven-on-seven drills and also took part in 11-on-11 drills.
| Footballguys view: Bradford is probably going to go undrafted in many leagues. He had a few good fantasy games before tearing his ACL last year, but the Rams are a decidedly run-first team, and Bradford has a bunch of talented, but unproven targets in the passing game. |
Sam Bradford player page
Rams | Jake Long on pace to be ready for Week 1 Fri Jun 6, 01:30 PM
St. Louis Rams OT Jake Long (knee) is on pace to be ready for Week 1, according to head coach Jeff Fisher.
| Footballguys view: The Rams could try Rodger Saffold at left tackle if Long isn't ready, or perhaps right tackle Joe Barksdale. They should be fine with their strength and depth on the offensive line. |
Rams | Kenny Britt involved in scuffle Thu Jun 5, 10:38 PM
St. Louis Rams WR Kenny Britt was involved in a scuffle at practice Thursday, June 5. He also had a couple of nice catches.
| Footballguys view: I am Jack's complete lack of surprise. Britt has this one chance to turn his career around, so he should be going out of his way to avoid making waves like these but here we are. His off-field issues are what could end his career, but his lack of production and things like this won't help. Steve Smith got away with it because he was Steve Freaking Smith. Kenny Britt lacks that sort of cachet. |
Kenny Britt player page
Rams | Sam Bradford misses practice Thu Jun 5, 10:32 PM
St. Louis Rams QB Sam Bradford (knee) was given a scheduled day off from practice Thursday, June 5. He is expected to return to practice Friday, June 6, and remains on track to start the season opener.
| Footballguys view: Everyone is watching Bradford carefully but the team will be cautious with him until training camp--maybe even longer. This is a make or break year for Bradford and the Rams and he has to be on the field and off the trainers table. We don't trust him for fantasy purposes, and have him as mo more than a QB3. |
Sam Bradford player page
