Rams Close to Deal With Giants DT Robbins..

[MauiRam]

By Jim Thomas
St. Louis Post-Dispatch

The Rams were in the process Saturday night of finalizing a deal that would bring veteran NY Giants defensive tackle Fred Robbins to St. Louis.

Robbins, who turns 33 later this month, is 6-4 and 325 pounds.

He’s known as a stout as a run defender who can play nose tackle or 3-technique defensive tackle.

“We’re determined to get bigger up front,” one Rams official said.

If the negotiations culminate as expected, Robbins was expected to travel to St. Louis on Sunday to finalize the deal.

Team sources also said they have no interest in Arizona safety Matt Ware, as had been speculated earlier.

Robbins would be the Rams’ second free-agent signing since the FA period began at midnight Friday. The first player signed, quarterback A.J. Feeley, to a two-year deal reportedly worth around $6 million. A Rams source said the team liked Feeley because he fits the Rams’ offensive system, and he showed superior arm strength during preseason play last summer.

[Judaxi]

I like it, we really need DT's.

[smitheRAM]

I like this quote "A Rams source said the team liked Feeley because he fits the Rams’ offensive system, " Yea our offense has not played in three years either.

[RockinRam]

A NT? I would prefer if we grabbed a slimmer, faster UT to get more pass rush.

[msha]

A NT? I would prefer if we grabbed a slimmer, faster UT to get more pass rush.

I agree we need pressure more than run stuffers

[Bralidore(RAMMODE)]

I agree we need pressure more than run stuffers

Id prefer we got both as we pretty much equally sucked against the run and pass last year...

[tomahawk247]

A NT? I would prefer if we grabbed a slimmer, faster UT to get more pass rush.

Well we are in position to get Suh or McCoy!

[ManofGod]

Hmmmm, if he wasn't 33 yrs. old I'd say his was a sure fire sign that we are drafting a QB, but this is a depth move as far as I am concerned. Not to mention, he's been known to be a slacker at times & lacking motivation.

[timsum1283]

I like this quote "A Rams source said the team liked Feeley because he fits the Rams’ offensive system, " Yea our offense has not played in three years either.

hahaha that is probably the funniest thing i've ever read on this board. sad b/c its true but hilarious nonetheless

[timsum1283]

Also as per Adam Schefter's twitter:

"Filed to ESPN: Rams reached agreement with former Giants DT Fred Robbins on a three-year deal worth up to $12 million."

[richtree]

Also as per Adam Schefter's twitter:

"Filed to ESPN: Rams reached agreement with former Giants DT Fred Robbins on a three-year deal worth up to $12 million."

Heres what rotoworld says:

Rams agreed to terms with DT Fred Robbins on a three-year contract worth up to $12 million.

Robbins was an impact pass rusher between 2006-2008, racking up 18 sacks during those three seasons in New York. He was mostly a non-factor last year, however, managing a pair of sacks in 16 games after offseason microfracture surgery. The deal likely is heavy on incentives. The Rams would be lucky to get 25-30 quality snaps a game out of the 33-year-old.

[PeoriaRam]

Could the "we're being smart by not dropping big money on aging FAs crowd" shut up now? Or do we need to make another former Eagle or Giant in their early 30s rich for that to register?

[tomahawk247]

Could the "we're being smart by not dropping big money on aging FAs crowd" shut up now? Or do we need to make another former Eagle or Giant in their early 30s rich for that to register?

how is this not a smart move? which free agent defensive tackle would you rather have signed? Robbins was one of the best available and his connections with Spagnuolo only made it easier to sign him

[sonnyjames]

From the Rams site;

By Nick Wagoner
Senior Writer

The Rams added another piece, a big piece, to their defensive line Monday, signing mammoth defensive tackle Fred Robbins.

Robbins came to St. Louis over the weekend for a visit and was clearly a priority for coach Steve Spagnuolo and the team.

The arrival of Robbins in St. Louis comes on the heels of the past six seasons spent in New York. It was there that Robbins emerged as a mainstay of the Giants’ defensive line and first worked with Spagnuolo.

“I am very happy we were able to get this deal done with Fred,” Spagnuolo said. “He is a player I am familiar with and he is a veteran who has been very productive on some very good defenses. He will add leadership to our defense and depth to the defensive tackle position.”

In two years under Spagnuolo – then the Giants defensive coordinator – Robbins had two of his finest seasons, posting 5.5 sacks in each year and combining for 79 tackles, 32 quarterback hurries and 19 quarterback hits in those two seasons.

“I’m excited to join the Rams and I’m really looking forward to playing for Coach Spagnuolo again,” Robbins said. “The two seasons I spent with Coach Spagnuolo were two of the best years of my career. He’s a great coach.”

Robbins’ performance earned him the role of captain on New York’s defense where he was regularly looked to for leadership. Robbins spent his first four seasons in Minnesota where he showed enough promise to be coveted by the Giants in 2004.

Since he started getting regular playing time in his second season (2001), Robbins has missed just three games of a possible 144 in that span.

At 6’4, 325 pounds, Robbins has the size and versatility to play the nose tackle and the three technique positions, the type of versatility Spagnuolo covets in a defensive lineman.

Robbins, 32, was originally a second-round pick of Minnesota out of Wake Forest. In 10 seasons, he’s amassed 28.5 sacks.

[PeoriaRam]

how is this not a smart move? which free agent defensive tackle would you rather have signed? Robbins was one of the best available and his connections with Spagnuolo only made it easier to sign him

I'd have rather drafted one than opt for the quick fix.