DBs will visit Rams
03/05/2005
Searching for depth in the secondary, the Rams are bringing in free-agent defensive backs Michael Hawthorne and Michael Stone for visits to Rams Park this week.
Hawthorne was released Friday by Green Bay, which decided not to pay him a $135,000 roster bonus. Stone is an unrestricted free agent from the Arizona Cardinals. Both players are safety-cornerback "tweeners." Hawthorne is 6 feet 3, 204 pounds; Stone is 6-0, 201.
Hawthorne had 36 tackles, seven pass breakups and two forced fumbles for the Packers last season. Hawthorne, 28, started the first five games of the 2004 season, but then spent the rest of the season covering slot receivers in Green Bay's nickel and dime packages. The Rams' new secondary coach, Kurt Schottenheimer, coached the Packers' secondary last season.
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Rams defensive end Bryce Fisher will make a free-agent trip to his hometown of Seattle on Wednesday.
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It looks as if free-agent offensive tackle Fred Miller will not return to the Rams, where he played from 1996-99. Miller, a cap casualty in Tennessee, is expected to decide between Chicago and New Orleans, perhaps as early as Sunday.
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The Rams are scheduled to talk with agents for offensive tackle
Orlando Pace early this week about a multi-year contract.
- Jim Thomas