Sims-Walker Still Counts Against the Cap

***ZiaRam*** · -10-19-2011

by
Howard Balzer

Before the lockout began in March, the Jacksonville Jaguars made it clear they wanted no part of wide receiver Mike Sims-Walker. At that time, there was hope an agreement would be reached in time for free agency, but no one knew what the rules would be. So, all NFL teams issued one-year tenders for their restricted free agents based on the rules from 2009 when players with three, four, and five accrued seasons were restricted.

Sims-Walker is a four-year player, but the Jaguars elected not to tender him. When the lockout ended, they made no effort to sign him as an unrestricted free agent. Things have changed. With the Jaguars now 1-5, they quickly agreed to terms with Sims-Walker after he was released by the Rams Monday.

Because Sims-Walker is a vested veteran and was on the opening-day roster, he is entitled to termination pay for the remainder of his base salary ($485,294). However, players are entitled to termination pay only once in their career. The player doesn't have to decide whether to take it until after the season, but must decide by Feb. 1.

The remainder of the contract still counts against the Rams' salary cap this year, but they would receive a credit for 2012 if Sims-Walker would opt not to take the termination pay.
Roster update: The Rams made a change on their practice squad Tuesday, signing wide receiver Kris Adams (Texas-El Paso) and releasing cornerback Nate Ness.

Adams went to training camp with the Bears as an undrafted free agent, was waived in the cutdown to 53 players and then was signed to their practice squad. The Bears released him Oct. 11. Ness was signed to the Rams' practice squad last week.

In addition to Adams, the Rams also had tryouts Tuesday for wide receiver David Anderson and cornerback Brian Williams. Former Rams long snapper Chris Massey had a tryout in New England Tuesday