Long Off-Season Finally Paying Off
By Rams Nation's Don Ackerman
It wasn't even draft day and honestly, I was getting a little worried. After
all, the Rams arsenal was being depleted by other NFL teams. Losing great players
is no news to a playoff-caliber team. Teams not winning will often overpay players
to become legitimate. Thus far the Rams were leaving including Dré Bly
(Detroit), Dexter McCleon (Kansas City), Tom Nutten (NY Jets), and on March
8th it was reported that the nameplates of Hetherington, LB O.J. Brigance, C-G
Frank Garcia, and LB Don Davis were removed from their locker stalls at Rams
Park. Frankly, it was sad to see some Rams I love go. Until Friday, March 21st,
the Rams looked like they losing players and were only getting help through
the NFL draft. Now, Rams fans can sit back and start thinking about 2003 in
a very positive way.
Having success in multiple years has cost the Rams. Their free agents have
been coveted by other teams who have overpaid for their services. The Rams'
unsuccessful 2002 campaign could be blamed on the loss of their leader, London
Fletcher and their explosive scoring wideout, Az Hakim but everyone has to recognize
that the Rams could not afford their high prices paid by Buffalo and Detroit.
The two players garnered big time contracts worth a reported $17+ million and
$16 million dollar deals with signing bonus of $4 and $5 million respectively.
Obviously, the Rams were priced out of those conversations. It continued in
2003 until last Friday.
So what happened Friday? Well, the Saint Louis Rams trade & sign Saints'
offensive lineman Kyle Turley.
Yes, there's hope! In what I can only call a "steal", the Rams will
send a second-round pick next year New Orleans for Turley. To welcome him nicely,
they also offered Turley a nice contract extension through 2008 (six years,
$26.5 million plus $2 million in potential bonuses).
While Pace is still "negotiating" with the Rams, hopefully the addition
of a linemate will motivate him to stay and become a solid brick in the wall
that protects the Rams' quarterbacks.
Don't Fret, Yet!
I know you hate seeing Rams players signing elsewhere for big contracts. However,
let's not forget that in today's world, signing early may not pay. In fact,
patience is truly a virtue in the salary cap era. In today's salary cap-driven
world, great players will be available soon. There's no doubt in my mind that
right now, the Rams have a board and are waiting for other teams to make financial
moves by releasing good players. When these players are released, the Rams should
be able to attract a couple of pieces to their Super Bowl puzzle. Don't fret!
Many players will be available as the 2003 season approaches.
Saints Fan Unhappy About Trade
For you Rams fans out there who are nervous about the addition of Turley, I
can tell you one Saint fan will miss Turley. On Sunday, I ran into a New Orleans
Saints fan. I told him that I was a Saint Louis Rams fan and thanked him trading
offensive lineman Kyle Turley. He was shocked and instantly shared how frustrated
he has been with the Saints losing great players like linebacker Sammy Knight.
He was really disappointed since he has an authentic Turley jersey. I let him
know it's now a collectible. Hopefully, the addition of Turley will turn out
to be a collectible, too.
Ram on,
Don