Bernie Bits: Rams have some interest in bringing back Wistrom

[RamWraith]

By Bernie Miklasz
ST. LOUIS POST-DISPATCH
03/10/2007

How about Grant Wistrom coming back to St. Louis? It's possible after Seattle cut him this week. The Rams still need defensive ends.

Wistrom, 30, has slowed some after nine NFL seasons. But he's still healthy, still tough against the run. And he's a high-energy player who can show younger teammates the value of competing hard on every snap. The Rams have some interest in Wistrom.

As for Wistrom's interest in the Rams — his team from 1998 through 2003 before he signed with Seattle — he told the Bits: "It broke my heart to leave St. Louis and the Rams. To return would be a dream come true."

Two things: (1) Wistrom, who is married with two young children, told the Bits he must decide if he's still 100 percent committed to playing football. He said if he isn't fully engaged, emotionally, he won't play. Unless the competitive fire is burning at maximum intensity, he'll retire. (2) The Rams are unlikely to offer Wistrom a huge contract. He'd probably have to accept less to make his homecoming.

It would be nice to see No. 98 back where he belongs, where it all began.

[stlramman]

if he signs a cap friendly contract i would be happy to have him back in a Rams uniform. high motor, good character, would be a nice fit as a situational player. but is he really that tough against the run?

[general counsel]

good question. also, how can anyone say he's healthy. he has missed a number of games over the last couple of years. vet minimum is fine.

ramming speed to all

general counsel

[majorram]

If hes cheap, then I would love 98 back......and he can stick to the hawks twice a year....

steve

[HUbison]

good question. also, how can anyone say he's healthy. he has missed a number of games over the last couple of years. vet minimum is fine.

ramming speed to all

general counsel

Yes, he missed 7 games in '04, but he has started every game since then.....16 starts in '05 and 16 starts in '06.

[RamsFan16]

If its cheap bring him back, if its over a $2M per year deal don't bother.

[Bar-bq]

I'd love to have him back for the right price. I think he'd be a nice fit and a decent mentor.

[jkramsfan]

i say bring him back,he may not be what he used to be,but at a resonable amount why not.

[vegasramfan]

What do the RAMS have to lose? Bring him back!!!

[sbramfan]

Ok, why is everyone's comment "if he's cheap, bring him back?"

From what I understand the Rams missed their opportunities on a number of top tier defensive players and could end up with unspent cap money this year as a result.

So why is anyone worried about "if he's cheap enough" It's late in the game, kids and we missed the boat. Give him a big cap number for this year, since he may only play a few more years anyway, and a more manageable number in years 2, 3. I don't think he's what we were hoping for, but do SOMETHING to upgrade this defense. Especially against the run.

Unless we're saving for that "June 1" thing where some guys get released, but I wouldn't count on it. I think the Rams should look to trade their draft picks right now for a solid DT or a beast of a LB.

And what about KR/PR and Punter????

The decision to keep WW in the middle may also turn out to be a huge mistake if they don't get better/bigger around him.

They didn't even offer enough to get that DE/LB from the Pats.
What happened here?

[1st & Goal]

Do something is not how you manage a roster. I can understand your frustration with the apparent lack of change on the D side of the ball. None of us knows what the draft will bring. If last year is any indication, then I am looking forward to some players who will make an impact in their rookie year. Signing players for more than they are worth does not pay dividends down the road. Wistrom has slowed down and will not be as productive. Does not mean he can't help us though.

[HUbison]

we missed the boat.

So which boat did we miss, exactly?

[txramsfan]

So which boat did we miss, exactly?

Well, HUb.....I don't care what anyone thinks, not even looking at Clements was a "missed boat" opportunity in my opinion.