Rams hope to sign McIntosh

BY JIM THOMAS
Thursday, June 14, 2012

Even after signing veterans Jo-Lonn Dunbar and Mario Haggan in the offseason, the Rams still are trying to strengthen the roster at outside linebacker. That's why, veteran Rocky McIntosh paid a free-agent visit to Rams Park on Wednesday.

He took part in a workout in the morning for coach Jeff Fisher, and then participated in individual drills on a "tryout" basis during Wednesday's minicamp practice. Fisher liked the private morning workout and the Rams would like to get McIntosh under contract in relatively quickly.

McIntosh, 29, spent all six of his previous NFL seasons with the Washington Redskins, who picked him in the second round of the 2006 draft out of Miami (Fla.). Over that span, McIntosh started 69 games and was a full-time starter for four consecutive seasons, from 2007 through 2010. He topped 100 tackles in all four of those seasons, including a career-high 155 in 2010.

McIntosh, 6 feet 2, 242 pounds, began 2011 as a starter but was replaced at midseason by Perry Riley, who started the final eight contests for Washington.

McIntosh finished the season with 73 tackles, one sack, and five quarterback pressures. He has had at least two previous free-agent visits this offseason — to Minnesota and Miami. St. Louis could represent his best chance for playing time, even an opportunity to start.

Kroenke in the house

Rams owner Stan Kroenke doesn't make many appearances at Rams Park, but Wednesday was one of those days. Early Wednesday evening, following the day's minicamp practice session, he spent about 15 minutes talking with coach Jeff Fisher, general manager Les Snead and executive vice president of football operations Kevin Demoff on the edge of the practice fields.

Friday is the deadline for negotiations between the Rams and the Convention and Visitors Commission with regards to the "first-tier" requirements in the stadium lease at the Edward Jones Dome. Based on proposals that have been made public, the Rams and the CVC are hundreds of millions of dollars apart in terms of what they think it will take to meet first-tier standards.

If the sides cannot reach an agreement by Friday the matter will go to arbitration.

Jackson in Vegas

Running back Steven Jackson had an excused absence and was not present for Wednesday's minicamp practice.

"A long time ago he asked if he could do a commencement speech, so he'll be back in the morning," Fisher said.

Jackson is giving the commencement speech at Eldorado High School, his alma mater, in Las Vegas.

Danario strikes

To a large degree, it has been a quiet offseason for wide receiver and University of Missouri product Danario Alexander, who has been slowed by a hamstring injury. But he made a couple of impressive catches Wednesday, going up once over a defender to haul in a deep ball from Sam Bradford for a touchdown.

"It's good to get him back,'' Fisher said. "He was dealing with a minor hamstring and we got him back on the field. He can elevate and make those plays."

Ram-blings

Safety Darian Stewart earned his college degree in retail management this offseason from South Carolina. Eventually, he'd like to put that degree to use by opening a couple of clothing-related stores. ... Today's practice ends the minicamp and ends the offseason practice period. The team won't practice again until training camp begins in late July.

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If the sides cannot reach an agreement by Friday the matter will go to arbitration.

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No surprise here. From day 1 this was headed to arbitration. Everything up to now has just been preamble and window dressing. The result of arbitration is where the future of the St. Louis Rams will be determined.

This guy is a perennial 100-tackle guy, had 155 two years ago, and last year still totaled 73 even though he was replaced half way through..what am I missing here? He's still got a few years left so why is he still available? I'd be curious to hear from someone who has seen him play.

Been calling for us to sign McIntosh most of this off-season as have many others on this site. I think this signing would be very well received by ClanRam.

The devil is in the details on the price. No downside if the cap number is reasonable.

Ramming speed to all

general counsel

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Originally Posted by general counsel

The devil is in the details on the price. No downside if the cap number is reasonable.

Ramming speed to all

general counsel

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Agreed, even if he just depth, we need depth badly at OLB.

We just signed him... Just read it on sbnation

Excellent signing, Let's hope he doesn't bust like those refugees of the NFC North *cough* Ben Leber and Brady Poppinga. Although he excelled at the 4-3, he never fit the 3-4 scheme so he should fit well with us.