The Official 2012 St. Louis Rams Free Agent News Tracker

[Rambos]

NFL Rumors 2012: Mario Manningham, St. Louis Rams Nearing Deal

Mar 16 7:43p by Dan Moore

The St. Louis Rams have done a fine job of filling the holes on their offensive and defensive line thus far in NFL free agency, signing center Scott Wells and talking with Jason Jones, but their highest-profile hole, at wide receiver, could be the next to go: The NFL rumor mill suggests the Rams are nearing a deal with Mario Manningham.

Manningham’s a great fit for a team that’s still looking to choose Justin Blackmon with their first pick in the 2012 NFL Draft. He’s not a number-one option for most teams, but while Blackmon develops Manningham will stretch defenses that has no reason to look downfield while Danny Amendola sat on top of the wide receiver depth chart. He’s a genuine deep threat, and he’ll give Sam Bradford a lot of the same looks Brandon Lloyd offered during his brief stint in St. Louis.



Who knows....

[Nick]

I believe the time stamp on the article is before Howard Balzer's tweet saying they're not close on a deal just yet, but you're right, who really knows at this point.

[Rambos]

I believe the time stamp on the article is before Howard Balzer's tweet saying they're not close on a deal just yet, but you're right, who really knows at this point.

I'm just trying to stay positive at this point.

[ZiaRam]

Once Wells was signed, the Rams decided not to have former Texans tackle Eric Winston visit. However, the Rams remain interested in former Carolina guard-tackle Travelle Wharton, who was released earlier this week.

[Tampa_Ram]

Once Wells was signed, the Rams decided not to have former Texans tackle Eric Winston visit. However, the Rams remain interested in former Carolina guard-tackle Travelle Wharton, who was released earlier this week.

Wharton any good?

[Rambos]

Once Wells was signed, the Rams decided not to have former Texans tackle Eric Winston visit. However, the Rams remain interested in former Carolina guard-tackle Travelle Wharton, who was released earlier this week.

Can someone tell me why? Are we running out of cap space?

[THOLTFAN81]

Per Jason LaCanfora

- Signing Kendall Langford doesn't take Rams out of mix for DL Jason Jones or WR Mario Manningham. Manningham still in STL today#freeagency

GET Manningham LOCKED IN!

[HUbison]

Once Wells was signed, the Rams decided not to have former Texans tackle Eric Winston visit.

I guess I'm missing something. We sign a C so we don't need a OT?

[AtlantaRamFan]

I guess I'm missing something. We sign a C so we don't need a OT?

Yeah I hear you..perhaps they allocated a certain amount of $'s for the Oline in FA and signing Wells makes Winston too expensive? Just a guess. I'm surprised they're more interested in adding a second FA DT than they are a new RT.

[MrLegend28]

the 2 tackles did fine 2 years ago, without McDaniels ridiculously run offense Im sure they'll go back to their old ways (we can all hope)

[viper]

I guess I'm missing something. We sign a C so we don't need a OT?

I would have to assume that the two events are not related. My guess would be that Winston is asking for too much and we weren't willing to pay it.

It appears to me, that instead of getting caught up in the feeding frenzy that is the free agency period, our front office is taking a more measured and practical approach. They have secured some talent at key positions without breaking the bank. My guess is that is what is going on with the Manningham talks, as well as the other free agents that have visited. We are probably making fair offers that deserve consideration by these guys but, we're not offering stupid money.

We don't want to wind up in cap hell like some of the other teams seem to be willing to do. Personally, I think this is the best approach that we could hope for. A front office that is doing their due diligence, targeting the guys they want, remaining patient without giving up the farm.

There are still many solid players available that can fill a role, many players to be released in the future to look at as well as the draft to find talent. We have a long way to go before the season begins and there will be opportunities all along the way.

I like the fact that we have already made some significant progress on the lines. There is more work to be done but, I like what I'm seeing so far.

[AvengerRam]

I guess I'm missing something. We sign a C so we don't need a OT?

I found that curious too. I guess it could mean that we budgeted for one FA OL, and will fill the other spot in the draft.

[ramstiles]

on twitter

3m Jason La Canfora ‏ @JasonLaCanfora
DL Jason Jones agrees to terms with Seattle on a one-year deal. Nice pick up for the Seahawks. #freeagency

[shower beers]

Jason Jones just signed a one year deal with the Seahawks.

edit: Ramstiles is a ninja!

[Rambos]

A league source tells the Boston Globe free agent Brandon Lloyd is "close" to signing with the Patriots.
Lloyd has done his best to increase his leverage since the start of free agency Tuesday, but has made little secret of his desire to end up in New England. He wouldn't be quite the vertical home run threat the Pats appeared in dire need of at times last season, but would perfectly complement Wes Welker's dominant slot game with one of the league's better outside-the-numbers skillsets.