Rams News

St. Louis Rams
Team Report posted May 22, 1998

by tsn correspondent JIM THOMAS St. Louis Post-Dispatch

Yes, the Rams made an unsuccessful megabucks push for defensive end Gabe Wilkins early in free agency. (With Wilkins opting for San Francisco instead.) But Dick Vermeil remains philosophically opposed to putting all of his dollars in one free agent's basket.

This approach is prudent because the Rams entered the offseason needing upgrades and depth at numerous positions. The team is not a player or two away from contending for the Super Bowl. The seven free agents signed so far by the Rams represent a potential overall investment of $25 million with a combined signing bonus of $5.675 million.

Those figures are just about what it took to land one marquee free agent in this year's market. But for the same money, the Rams picked up a starting middle linebacker in Eric Hill, two defensive tackles known for their run-stopping skills (Ray Agnew and Joe Phillips), a third wide receiver and potential starter in Ricky Proehl, punter Rick Tuten, offensive line depth in guard/center John Flannery, and cornerback insurance in Willie Clark. . . .

Overall, the Rams have been less active in free agency in Vermeil's second offseason in St. Louis. They signed 15 free agents last year, compared to this year's seven. But there could be more to come.

The Rams were very active a year ago in the June 1 bargain basement phase of free agency, when many teams cut players for salary cap reasons. They picked up defensive tackle Bill Johnson, wide receiver Torrance Small, cornerback Ryan McNeil, and running back Amp Lee after June 1.

Johnson and McNeil were starters. Lee led the Rams in receptions and was voted team MVP at the end of the season. Small caught 32 passes, but became expendable after Proehl was signed, and latched on with Indianapolis.

This June, the Rams will again be on the prowl for discount talent, but it's unlikely they will be able to fill their most glaring need -- the interior of the offensive line -- in the June 1 market.

Team personnel officials expect any guards or centers that might be released to either have injury problems or be up there in age. Middle linebacker Robert Jones is the only Rams player expected to be released after June 1. The team will realize a $1.4 million savings against the cap by cutting Jones, who was mediocre at best as a run defender. . . .

The three-year, $900,000 contract signed by fourth-round running back Michael Pittman with Arizona is of interest to the Rams. Pittman was taken 95th overall -- one spot ahead of wide receiver Az-Zahir Hakim of San Diego State, who was the first of two fourth-round picks of the Rams. . . .

Troy Dumas' recent shoulder surgery will keep the backup linebacker sidelined until at least mid-August.

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