Rams negotiations with Bartell go into overtime

[RamWraith]

By Jim Thomas
St. Louis Post-Dispatch


General manager Billy Devaney says the Rams remain hopeful, but as of early Saturday evening there was still no new contract for cornerback Ron Bartell.

“We’re working, trying to get something done with Ronnie,” Devaney said. “We’re working that hard. We know what kind of person he is. We really want this to work out, and try to keep Ronnie.”

At the moment, Devaney said the Rams had no other free agent visits planned.

“No. No visits,” Devaney said. “They can be scheduled quickly. If it doesn’t work out with Bartell or with (James) Butler, then we go to Plan B. We have guys we call right away.”

Devaney confirmed that Butler, the safety from the New York Giants, left without a contract.

“He went back to Atlanta this morning,” Devaney said. “We’re still talking. We’re going to try to get something done. We’re a little bit apart right now with him contract-wise. . . .I think he wouldn’t mind being here. We’d certainly like to have him here, so now we’re just going to see if we can make that happen.”

Reports out of Cleveland had Butler scheduled for a visit with the Browns.

[jackson3909]

we have to get him locked up. the saints appear out of the picture i think if we sign butler, bartell would want to come back for sure. i wonder who our plan B guys are?

[jerseyramsfan]

Got to get this deal done. As much as the Saints may be out for Bartell we are for Butler....

[RamsInfiniti]

The fact that Bartell has not signed with the Saints or some other team tells me that he really wants to be here ...

[39thebeast]

I really don't think teams beside the Rams are going to give him what he wants. Denver added to expensive pieces to their secondary at the safety position and may add derrick wars along with the 2 other FA RBs they have signed. Saints have already spent alot. Detroit is probably the most likely if not us, but they have added Anthony Henry and other vets. I also think they could be targeting Bryant McFadden instead.

[eldfan]

The fact that Bartell has not signed with the Saints or some other team tells me that he really wants to be here ...

I hope so.

[ramsfan1121]

we have to get him locked up. the saints appear out of the picture i think if we sign butler, bartell would want to come back for sure. i wonder who our plan B guys are?

Wouldn't say that just yet.

Free agent cornerback Ron Bartell left town without an offer on Saturday, but he and the Saints are still showing mutual interest and an offer could be on the way Sunday, according to a league source.

[Mooselini]

We have to get him signed now...we really do. UGH!

[Irishrover40]

UGH!!!!!!!!!! Its Sunday morning and I just got up and haven't had even my morning coffee yet and worse off--NO NEWS ABOUT BARTELL AND BUTLER!!!!!!!! Come on guys, lets get these guys signed today and move on to to our other needs!!!!!!
(Brown's work attitude is starting to get me fired up)

[nolafan33]

Bartell left New Orleans late last night but has stayed in contact with the team and will be offered a contract today.

[CanadianRamsFan]

Bartell left New Orleans late last night but has stayed in contact with the team and will be offered a contract today.

I would imagine that we will see what the saints offer and then depending on what kind of numbers they are talking, either match it or out bid them slightly.