Team re-signs safety; Chillar mulls options

[RamWraith]

By Jim Thomas
ST. LOUIS POST-DISPATCH
Thursday, Mar. 13 2008

Less than two weeks ago, the Rams declined to make a tender offer to restricted
free agent Jerome Carter, thereby freeing him to sign with any team — no
strings attached.

But in a move to bolster their depth at safety, the Rams have re-signed Carter
to a one-year deal. A fourth-round pick by the Rams in 2005, Carter has
appeared in 33 games, including three starts over three seasons. Carter's 2007
season ended Oct. 7, when he suffered a fractured right foot against Arizona.

As expected, the Rams have re-signed free-agent offensive tackle Brandon Gorin.
Gorin will compete for a backup job at tackle. He started eight games at right
tackle last season when injuries wiped out several bodies on the offensive line.

The Rams are taking a look at center Justin Hartwig, who was released Tuesday
by the Carolina Panthers. Hartwig started 15 games last season for the
Panthers, missing the season finale because of a knee injury.

Meanwhile, linebacker Brandon Chillar — a two-year starter for the Rams —
continues to mull his options. Chillar has made free-agent trips to Arizona and
Green Bay. But the Rams are still believed to be in the picture.

[81~BIG-GAME]

Carter re-signing gives some depth at safety, I'm surprised that The Rams are in the picture still to re-sign Chillar according to this article. As I believed the only chance the Rams would have was to sign Chillar to an extension before his contract expired. I still seriously doubt that he will be back tbh..

[txramsfan]

Depth at safety is one thing, good depth at safety is another.

[HUbison]

the Rams have re-signed Carter to a one-year deal.

eh, whatever. It's a weak safety class all the way around; so I guess the devil we know is better than the devil we don't. Welcome back, G-rome.

the Rams have re-signed free-agent offensive tackle Brandon Gorin.

See previous comment. Welcome back, B-don.

The Rams are taking a look at center Justin Hartwig

Now this is intriguing. He was eating up too much cap to hang around as Kalil's backup. If he's healthy, this could be interesting.

Meanwhile, linebacker Brandon Chillar — a two-year starter for the Rams — continues to mull his options.

I've been all for bringing back Chillar, but I get the feeling either he or his agent has inflated his value above FMV. Maybe realization will set in and Chillar stays home.

[TekeRam]

Now this is intriguing. He(Hartwig) was eating up too much cap to hang around as Kalil's backup. If he's healthy, this could be interesting.

Should be a slight bit better than Wiegman in my mind, though Wiegman knows the offense already.

I've been all for bringing back Chillar, but I get the feeling either he or his agent has inflated his value above FMV. Maybe realization will set in and Chillar stays home.

As have I, and everyone inflated their linebacker's value, as evidenced by Lance Briggs re-upping with his favorite team, the Bears. Sure, Pace got a good deal, but the Jets are becoming the Redskins, but they're also using him as a pass rusher, not a coverage guy. I think it makes a lot of sense to bring Chillar back.

[Nick]

I'll be intrigued to see the contract details for Carter. The Rams elected not to pay him the $927K RFA tender offer, so he was able to test the market. Now they resign him, and probably saved money doing so, albeit a minimal amount. Regardless, the fact that Carter didn't even get get so much as a whiff of attention in a weak free agent market should put down the annual discussion fans have about him challenging for Chavous' starting job.

[81~BIG-GAME]

Fair enough point Nick, but say Chavous was a Free-Agent this year, how much attention would he attract? I would say minimal at best..

[Mooselini]

Woah. Hartwig? Didn't see that one coming. I'm not sure how he will do though. I'm not sure if he'd start over Incognito.

[bruce4life]

Depth at safety is one thing, good depth at safety is another.

ive been studying all night because i have had two midterms this morning and when i read this i busted up laughing....

[txramsfan]

ive been studying all night because i have had two midterms this morning and when i read this i busted up laughing....

Been there and done that sir. Don't envy you at all. Glad I could bring a smile during such a stressful time.

[Keenum]

I didn't know we still had a shot with Chillar.
I'd love to have him back, but I hear the Cards will make a run at him now with their new-found cap room.

[Mooselini]

I didn't know we still had a shot with Chillar.
I'd love to have him back, but I hear the Cards will make a run at him now with their new-found cap room.

I didn't know either. I was always under the thought that he wanted out of STL. Now we have a chance, this is interesting. Let's hope the Cards are cheaper than we are

[Goldenfleece]

Sounds like Chillar may have overestimated his market value. I'd still like to get him back if he wants to play in St. Louis.

[r8rh8rmike]

I'd like to see Chillar back if he doesn't get what he's looking for elsewhere. Can't really blame him for seeking the best deal possible, especially in the current market. Nothing ventured, nothing gained, although I do agree with others that he is probably aiming a little high.

[viper]

From Rotoworld:

St. Louis Rams : Rotoworld.com - St. Louis Rams News from Rotoworld.com

"The Rams are "taking a look" at free agent C Justin Hartwig. Hartwig was considered an above average center before his forgettable two-year stint in Carolina. The Rams seem set on weeding Richie Incognito out of the lineup. Mark Setterstrom is currently penciled in as the starting center."

That's the first I've heard of Incognito possibly becoming a backup. They can't be serious can they? I like Richie's attitude on the line. Sure he needs to mature a bit and get those roughness calls under control. But, he's a gamer. Has anyone else heard that mentioned about replacing him before?