Torry Holt Signs 3-Year Deal in Jacksonville

Former St. Louis Rams wide receiver Torry Holt agreed to a three-year deal with the Jacksonville Jaguars on Monday that could be worth as much as $20 million.

The 32-year-old Holt agreed to a incentive laiden contract that grows financially based on the way he plays. The deal, a source told ESPN.com's John Clayton, calls for three years with base salaries totaling $13 million. While there is no signing bonus, the first year of the contract is guaranteed.

Holt drew interest from several teams, but decided on Jacksonville, who have been searching for a number 1 receiver since the retirement on long-time Jaguar WR Jimmy Smith in 2006. The Jaguars have added several wide receivers over the last few years with very limited success. Reggie Williams (2004) and Matt Jones (2005) were added via the first round of the draft and Jerry Porter (2008) was brought in as a free agent, all were released this off-season.

The seven-time Pro Bowler ranks 11th on the NFL's career list with 869 receptions. He caught 64 passes for 796 yards and three touchdowns for St. Louis last season.

Holt Close to Catching on in Jacksonville

ESPN's Chris Mortensen is reporting that the Jacksonville Jaquars are close to closing a deal with former St. Louis Rams WR Torry Holt.

The St. Louis Rams released Holt on March 13 shortly before he was due a $1.25 million roster bonus on March 17.

Holt, a seven-time Pro Bowl selection, ranks 11th on the league's all-time reception list with 869 catches.

The 10-year veteran caught just 64 passes last year for 796 yards and three touchdowns, the fewest scoring catches of his career. His total receptions and total yards were the second-lowest of his career, ahead of only his rookie season of 1999.

The move to Jacksonville makes sense as the team recently released WR's Jerry Porter and Matt Jones.

Rams Retain Two Restricted Free Agents

The restricted free agent deadline came and went Friday night and the St. Louis Rams will retain two more RFAs who received no offers from other teams.

Defensive end Victor Adeyanju has signed his one-year tender worth $1.01 million. Offensive guard/center Richie Incognito is expected to sign his $1.01 million tender sometime next week.

Adeyanju, who is entering his 4th season in the NFL, has amassed 101 career tackles and 3 sacks in 43 games with 25 starts.

Incognito, who is entering his 5th season, was redshirted in his rookie year but has played in 35 games all starts.

As in any other restricted free agents, if they had received outside offers, the Rams would have one week to match the offer.

Rams Staying Home for Training Camp

Rams coach Steve Spagnuolo would prefer to hold training camp an hour to 90 minutes outside of St. Louis, and who can blame him? It's the only way he has ever done it. That's the approach taken by both the Philadelphia Eagles and the New York Giants when Spagnuolo worked with Andy Reid and Tom Coughlin. But other issues to deal with this offseason, coupled with not enough time to fully research potential training camp sites, have prompted Spagnuolo and the Rams to stay home in 2009.

So, for the fourth time in the past five years, the Rams will hold training camp at their year-round office and practice facility at Rams Park in Earth City.

"In the end, we just felt that this was the most practical option for 2009, from a football standpoint and also from a fan standpoint," said Kevin Demoff, the Rams' executive vice president of football operations.

In an attempt to find an alternative location, the Rams looked at Lindenwood University, just across the Missouri River from Rams Park in St. Charles. They also considered Southern Illinois University Carbondale and SIU-Edwardsville.

"Nobody had ever really taken the time to research local options, at least not in the past few years," Demoff said. "It's possible in 2010 we could go elsewhere. But in the end, all of our research this year led us to want to stay here."

A promising option for 2010 is SIUC ,which is in the midst of an $83 million athletic facilities project that includes a new football stadium, a new athletic support building and renovations to the basketball arena. By 2010, SIUC would have the new stadium and four football fields available for use by the Rams. "All within 200 yards of each other," said SIUC athletics director Mario Moccia

Demoff has put together a team that will continue to research possible camp sites over the next years, including assistant to the head coach-football operations Bruce Warwick and vice president of operations John Oswald.

"By the time we started seeking out schools (this year), it was a little late in the process for them to be able to commit to a month," Demoff said. "... This will give everybody lead time of a year to really give us a proposal that makes sense. And for us to consider what makes sense."

Falcons Send WR Robinson To Rams

The Atlanta Falcons have sent wide receiver Laurent Robinson to the desperate for wide receiver St Louis Rams.

In exchange for Robinson, a third-round pick in 2007, the Falcons and Rams have swapped their spots in rounds five and six.

The Falcons move up 22 spots the fifth round (from No. 160 to No. 138) and 20 spots in the sixth round (from No. 216 to No. 196)

As a rookie, Robinson appeared in 15 games, starting six. He caught 37 passes for 437 yards and one touchdown. Last season, the first year of the Thomas Dimitroff/Mike Smith regime, Robinson appeared in six games with no starts, catching only five passes for 52 yards.

Robinson joins a less than star studded group of receivers that currently includes Nate Jones, Travis Brown, Chad Lucas, Derek Stanley, Keenan Burton, Donnnie Avery, and Joel Filani.

Kyle Boller Joins Rams as Back-up to Bulger

The St. Louis Rams were in discussion to bring back Gus Frerotte as Marc Bulger's back-up for next season, instead they chose a man 10 years younger. Terms of his contract were not disclosed.

"We are happy to add Kyle to our roster," new coach Steve Spagnuolo said in a statement. "We feel that he'll be a valuable addition to our team."

Kyle Boller, the former first round pick of the Baltimore Ravens in 2003 has hopped onto the Rams roster. Boller spent last season on injured reserve due to a shoulder injury he sustained in the pre-season.

The 27-year old signal caller has started 42 games with the Ravens and holds the franchise record with 7,846 yards, 45 touchdown passes and 44 interceptions. His inconsistent play and the emergence of the Ravens' 2008 first rounder Joe Flacco left Boller expendable.

Boller's best season was 2004, when he started every game and passed for 2,559 yards with 13 touchdowns and 11 interceptions.

Cards Sign Kreider

The Arizona Cardinals have signed free agent fullback Dan Kreider to a one-year deal. Financial terms were not disclosed.

The 32 year old Kreider (5'11" 255lbs) played in 11 games for the St. Louis Rams last season before being released on Nov. 26.

He spent the previous eight seasons with the Pittsburgh Steelers, appearing in 113 games, including 10 postseason games and starting in the 2006 Super Bowl.

For his career the multi-purpose fullback has 32 rushes for 144 yards and 2 TD's to go along with 60 catches for 471 yards and another 2 TD's.

Kreider entered the NFL in 2000 as an undrafted rookie free agent out of New Hampshire.

Busy Bears, Setting the Pace

The Chicago Bears have had an epic day in improving their franchise, specifically their offense today. Not long after the Bears had secured their franchise quarterback, by trading for Jay Cutler, the Bears went out and grabbed the massive former franchise LT of the St. Louis Rams Orlando Pace.

Pace, the first overall pick in the 1997 draft, was cut last month by the Rams. He visited the Ravens a couple of weeks ago, before heading into Soldier Field, where the signed the mammoth tackle to a 3-year deal. Financial terms have not been released at this time.

It is unknown if Pace will slide right in to the left tackle spot and battle with last year's first rounder, Chris Williams or if he will battle for the right tackle spot with recent signee Kevin Schaffer.

Rams Sign Blocking TE Bajema To Boost Running Game

St. Louis Rams head coach Steve Spagnuolo knows what he has in running back Steven Jackson, and wants to maximize his potential in the run game. Spagnuolo continued to build his roster as such today with the signing of TE Billy Bajema, a free agent from the San Francisco 49ers. Terms of his contract have not been released as of this posting.

Bajema is known around the league as a purely blocking TE, he started in a career-high 10 games in 2008, and appeared in all 16 contests but caught only two passes for 34 yards. He had no receptions in each of the previous two seasons. As a rookie, Bajema had a five receptions for 54 yards.

He joins Eric Butler, Daniel Fells, and projected starter Joe Klopfenstein on the St. Louis roster. Bajema will fill the void of recently released TE Anthony Becht.

Saints Sign C Leckey

The New Orleans Saints have announced the signing of veteran center Nick Leckey to a one-year contract. Financial terms were not disclosed.

A 6th round pick of the Cardinals in 2004, out of Kansas State player he has also played in St. Louis where he started 10 games last season before a broken bone in his foot ended his season.

Rams Busy, Re-Sign Setterstrom, Moore and Sign Four Others

The St. Louis Rams have been busy in the free agent front and have announced a flurry of moves. The have re-signed OG Mark Setterstrom, and DE Eric Moore as well as signing quarterback Jeff Otis, defensive back Marcus Brown, tight end Eric Butler and center Tim Mattran.

Setterstrom, a seventh round choice in 2006 played 6 games as a rookie, the 3 more in 2007 but has been sidelined basically two full years due to back-to-back knee injuries.

Moore is a four-year veteran who played in seven games for St. Louis in 2008. Otis is the son of former St. Louis Cardinals running back Jim Otis. He has been on practice squads for the Chiefs and Raiders.

No terms of any of the contracts were disclosed.

Rams Cut Torry Holt

A day after the Rams cut their long-time franchise left tackle Orlando Pace, the Rams have rereleased one of the final members of their "Greatest Show on Turf " WR Torry Holt. By releasing the two verteran players the Rams saved $14 million in salary cap space. Holt was due a $1.25 million roster bonus on Tuesday.

"The Rams will forever be grateful for the way Torry Holt represented the Rams on the field and in the community," owner Chip Rosenbloom said. "Over the past 10 seasons Torry has proven himself to be one of the finest wide receivers in league history. This is a difficult decision because Torry has meant so much to the organization."

Holt, the sixth overall pick in the 1999 draft out of North Carolina State, ranks 11th in league history with 869 receptions and 14th with 12,660 receiving yards. His 80.1 yards-per-game career receiving average is the best in NFL history. He has also been to seven Pro Bowls.

These moves are an indication that the Rams are attempting to get younger and are rebuilding for the future, after finishing last season 2-12 and going 5-27 over the last two-seasons. Since the end of last season they've named a new general manager, Billy Devaley, a new coach, Steve Spagnuolo, cut several veteran players and signed three free agents from other teams.

Rams Cut Franchise LT Pace

The St. Louis Rams have parted ways with their franchise left tackle and former number-one overall pick of the 1997 draft. The release of the oft-injured Orlando Pace will save the team $6 Million in cap space. The Rams were 2-14 last season and hold the second overall pick in this years draft and may be looking to use it on a new franchise left tackle.

Pace was the first offensive lineman chosen No. 1 overall since the Minnesota Vikings took Ron Yary in the 1968 draft. The Rams dealt four draft picks -- a first-, third-, fourth- and seventh-rounder -- to the New York Jets for the right to move up five spots on draft day.

"I can't begin to thank Orlando for all he has meant to the Rams organization," Owner Chip Rosenbloom said. "It is never easy to end a relationship that has had as much success as ours, but in the interest of Orlando and the Rams, we feel now is the right time."

Pace blocked for three consecutive MVPs from 1999-2001, quarterback Kurt Warner in 1999 and 2001 and running back Marshall Faulk in 2000, durin g St. Louis' run as the 'Greatest Show on Turf '.

Rams Finally Sign Butler

It took them longer than they had hoped but the St. Louis Rams have finally signed S James Butler, to a four-year deal. Financial terms were not disclosed. The move reunites Butler with his former defensive coordinator from New York and current Rams head coach Steve Spagnuolo.

Butler will provide a physical presence in St. Louis' secondary and is pegged to be the replacement for recently released Corey Chavous. He will play alongside the Rams franchise player O.J. Atogwe

In four seasons with the Giants, Butler played in 58 games and started 27. Butler, 27, started 26 games the past two seasons. He visited with Rams officials the first week of free agency, and St. Louis has been pursuing him ever since.

For his career, Butler has 190 tackles, including a career-high 68 tackles in 2008. The former Georgia Tech standout, signed as an undrafted free agent in 2005, also has six career interceptions and 21 passes defensed.

Falcons Sign Canadian Center

The is always a little bit of extra pride for me here at alldayfootball when a fellow Canadian is in the NFL. That pride continued re-emerged today when Windsor, Ontario native Brett Romberg, a free agent from the St. Louis Rams, sign a deal today with the Atlanta Falcons. Terms of the contract were not disclosed.

The 6-foot-2, 298lbs. center, is a five-year veteran who played for Jacksonville (2003-05) and St. Louis (2006-08), The former University of Miami player has started 18 of his 33 career games including 14 games with six starts last season.

Romberg, has blocked for a pair of 1,000-yard rushers: Jacksonville’s Fred Taylor and the Rams’ Steven Jackson.

Rams Keep Bartell

It took longer than they had hoped, but the deal is done. The St. Louis Rams have agreed to terms with cornerback Ron Bartell. It’s a four-year deal worth $28 million, including $13.6 million in guaranteed money,

Bartell spent a few days entertaining offers from teams around the NFL but in the end decided St. Louis was his best fit.

After Some Hesitation Brown Settle on St. Louis

The St. Louis Rams ha offered free agent C Jason Brown a contract earlier this morning, but Brown was hesitant and hoped that the ravens would match it. When they did not and it became apperent no other team was willing to offer anything close to the Rams.

The former ravens center had a choice, play somewhere he wants for less money or play in St. Louis for more money. It became and easy choice and Brown chose money.

Brown received a five-year, $37.5 million contract that includes $20 million in guarantees. He will earn $24 million over the first two years of his contract.

Brown was a fourth-round pick of the Ravens in 2005 is 6'3" and 320lbs. He's had 45 starts during his first four seasons.

Green and Bennett Cut By Rams

Not to be left out the St. Louis Rams have released some veteran players as well. Quarterback Trent Green and wide receiver Drew Bennett got the Axe on Wednesday.


The release of Green is expected to save the Rams about $1.3 million in salary cap space. The team saves a whopping $50,000 by cutting Bennett.

Bennett signed a six-year, $30 million deal two years ago after six seasons with the Titans. But he struggled in 2007 and broke his leg in the first quarter of this season's opener, missing the remainder of the season.

Trent Green, 38, is in his second stint with the team played in three games last season, completing 38 of 72 passes for 525 yards with no touchdowns and six interceptions. Green has a long history of injuries, specifically concussions which will likely end his career. One of such concussions came after Trent Green, who at the time was a Miami Dolphin, tried to cut block Houston Texans' Travis Johnson only to be left unconscious on the field from a knee to the head.

O.J. Gets Tagged in St. Louis

The Tags keep coming in, and the next one is used in St. Louis. The Rams have decided to franchise safety Oshiomogho Atogwe. The safety franchise number for Atogwe is $6.342 million.

The move proved necessary after talks for a long-term deal were unsuccessful. The deadline to use the Franchise tag is Feb. 19th at 4pm.

Edward Jones Gets A Facelift

A $30 Million improvement project is under way in St. Louis to improve on an already top-tier stadium. The Edwards Jones Dome will recieve a face lift. so to speak, including state-of-the-art scoreboards and video boards in both end zones.

The project includes renovations to the Rams Club in the north end zone and creation of a Premium Club in the south end zone. As part of the scoreboard renovations, fans in the Rams Club and Premium Club will be able to view the field from those areas, and it will allow some daylight in the bowl area.

"The whole purpose of this was to improve the fans' enjoyment, and we think this will accomplish that," said Bob Wallace, Rams executive vice president-general counsel. "The video boards are going to be of the highest quality. And a public viewing area, which is something we haven't had, will be in the north end zone."