Rams News

Rams guarantee McNeil's franchise
designation; negotiations continue
04/15 12:43 AM
By Jim Thomas
Of the Post-Dispatch Staff
The Rams have decided to guarantee the franchise designation they placed on cornerback Ryan McNeil at the start of the free-agency period in February.
As long as the Rams keep the franchise label on McNeil, he receives $3.2 million in salary for the 1998 season, even if he is injured or is released from the club.
The $3.2 million figure is the average of the five highest-paid cornerbacks in 1997. McNeil wants a long-term contract with the Rams and has yet to accept the franchise tender. The Rams have made a contract offer to McNeil and his agent, but the sides remain millions of dollars apart.
McNeil has informed the Rams that he will not participate in offseason workouts or minicamps without a long-term contract.
Tuesday afternoon was a deadline for guaranteeing -- or not guaranteeing -- franchise labels. Had the Rams not guaranteed McNeil's franchise designation, it would have been somewhat easier for him to sign with another team. With the guarantee, the Rams retain matching rights if McNeil gets another offer, and get two first-round draft picks from the team that signs him if the Rams decide not to match.
As long as McNeil does not accept the franchise offer, the Rams can withdraw it at any time -- which would make McNeil an unrestricted free agent.
Free-agent update: Three restricted free agents and two exclusive-rights free agents have agreed to terms to stay with the Rams.
The restricted free agents, who all agreed to tender offers of $397,000, are tight end Aaron Laing, safety Gerald McBurrows and safety Mike Scurlock. The exclusive free agents are fullback Derrick Harris and defensive tackle Chris Maumalanga. Restricted free agents are players with three years of NFL experience; exclusive-rights free agents have fewer than three years of experience.
Monday was a deadline for restricted free agents to receive offers from other clubs.
Ram-blings: Unrestricted free agent Danan Hughes, a wide receiver and special teamer from the Kansas City Chiefs, paid a visit Tuesday to Rams Park. . . . Defensive assistant Steve Brown has been promoted to cornerbacks coach. Sam Clark has been named offensive intern -- replacing Brian Schottenheimer.

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