Pace released, Karney signed and more!
After 12 seasons wearing the Horns, and 7 Pro Bowl selections, the Rams have released Offensive Tackle Orlando Pace.
The move had been rumoured for several weeks, although the franchise would have preferred to trade him, they could not find any willing partners considering Pace’s hefty contract.
G.M Billy Devaney was quickly on Team Radio 1380 to discuss Pace’s departure and outline it’s impact on St Louis. The main points he made were that:
Alex Barron is now the Rams LT.
Current LG Jacob Bell will be expected to start at RT. This gives John Greco an opportunity at LG.
They will have to make a decision in a couple of days regarding Tory Holt.
Gus Frerotte is being strongly considered for a back-up role.
The Rams are NOT tied to taking an OT in the draft at 1.2. They will pursue a ‘best player available’ strategy.
Mike Sando has weighed in saying that Pace’s released makes it more likely that the Rams will take an OT early come late April. he also adds that he thinks Pace will find another home relatively quickly, quite possibly in the NFC West.
VanRam adds his own take of course noting that it was “no surprise, except for the idea that the Rams might have traded him” and that it is part of the new regime’s plans to get younger.
I must also give props to Bernie Miklasz of STLToday.com as his Twitter feed (@miklasz) was providing real time updates on the Pace release and Billy D’s radio interview. Very helpful for those unable to tune in, like me!
In other Rams news, the team and fullback Mike Karney agreed a 3 year deal for $3.6m with $1.2 million in guarantees. Karney is the more prototypical FB that they have been looking for to be a bigger bodied lead blocker for star-player Steven ‘Action’ Jackson.
New York writer Rich Cimini has changed his mind on the Jets having an interest in Tory Holt. He know thinks that they will target a wideout in the first few rounds of the draft. After claiming they would look into adding Holt, he now writes, “I did some additional digging and learned the Jets have zero interest in the Rams’ soon-to-be-jettisoned wide receiver. None. Zip. Nada.”
In less interesting news, the Rams contract with Jason Brown has to be reworked as it did not meet certain stipulations regarding percentage increases heading into a uncapped year. All very boring!
2 years ago
