Rams News

Ex-Chiefs tackle Phillips to join St. Louis Rams today
By RANDY COVITZ - Staff Writer
Date: 04/22/98 22:15

Former Chiefs defensive tackle Joe Phillips has agreed to terms with the St. Louis Rams. He plans to sign today and participate in the club's minicamp.

Phillips, 34, was released by the Chiefs in February after spending six years in Kansas City. He started 15 games last season for the Chiefs and the only game he missed -- Oct. 16 against San Diego -- snapped a string of 80 consecutive starts, the longest such streak of any Chief at the time.

"I visited St. Louis a few months ago and had a good feeling about Dick Vermeil and his staff and what would be expected me and what they knew about my ability," said Phillips, who will sign a one-year contract with an option for 1999.

Phillips, a 12-year veteran, will be reunited with Rams defensive line coach Carl Hairston, who worked in a similar capacity with the Chiefs during 1995-96.

"Big Daddy (Hairston) knows exactly what I can do and how I can perform and where I could fit," Phillips said.

"When you deal with people like that, you feel comfortable."

The Rams will play a preseason game at Arrowhead Stadium on Aug. 28.

"Once again, I will have the great pleasure of playing in front of Kansas City fans," Phillips said.

Phillips will join a defensive tackle group that includes free-agent signee Ray Agnew and veteran D'Marco Farr. The Rams also fortified their defensive line with their first-round selection of Nebraska end Grant Wistrom, heir apparent to recent Chiefs signee Leslie O'Neal.

The Rams said the selection of running back Robert Holcombe in the second round of last weekend's draft means they no longer are interested in another former Chief, free agent Greg Hill.

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