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Rams Little now leaning toward playing in 2010
By Jim Thomas
St. Louis Post-Dispatch
INDIANAPOLIS _ At the end of the 2009 season, all signs pointed to retirement for St. Louis Rams defensive end Leonard Little.
But less than eight weeks later, Little has reconsidered. Sources close to Little have told the Post-Dispatch that the 12-year NFL veteran is now leaning toward playing in 2010. Little’s contract has expired, meaning he’s scheduled for unrestricted free agency March 5 _ or a week from Friday.
General manager Billy Devaney said Wednesday that the Rams are interested in having Little return for another season. “We are very open to the possibility of having him back,” Devaney said.
Rams executive vice president of football operations Kevin Demoff is scheduled to meet with Little’s agent here at the NFL Scouting Combine.
There could be other suitors for Little as well including Carolina, where former Rams defensive line coach Brian Baker now works. Little’s permanent residence is in Charlotte, N.C., home of the Panthers. And keep an eye on Washington, where former Rams defensive coordinator and interim head coach Jim Haslett now works.
Little made $2.5 million last season, a figure that included a roster bonus. No matter who signs Little, the price probably would have to be reasonable. And at age 35, Little’s best value these days is as a situational pass rusher, not an every down player. That likely would be his role with the Rams next season if he returns to St. Louis. Coach Steve Spagnuolo has had a couple of phone conversations with Little since the end of the season.
Although he’s not the player he was, say, five years ago, Little remained the Rams’ top pass rusher in ‘09. He finished with a team-high 6 1/2 sacks even though he missed the final three games of the season with a knee infection.
Tags: kevin demoff, leonard little, st. louis rams, steve spagnuolo
By Jim Thomas
St. Louis Post-Dispatch
INDIANAPOLIS _ At the end of the 2009 season, all signs pointed to retirement for St. Louis Rams defensive end Leonard Little.
But less than eight weeks later, Little has reconsidered. Sources close to Little have told the Post-Dispatch that the 12-year NFL veteran is now leaning toward playing in 2010. Little’s contract has expired, meaning he’s scheduled for unrestricted free agency March 5 _ or a week from Friday.
General manager Billy Devaney said Wednesday that the Rams are interested in having Little return for another season. “We are very open to the possibility of having him back,” Devaney said.
Rams executive vice president of football operations Kevin Demoff is scheduled to meet with Little’s agent here at the NFL Scouting Combine.
There could be other suitors for Little as well including Carolina, where former Rams defensive line coach Brian Baker now works. Little’s permanent residence is in Charlotte, N.C., home of the Panthers. And keep an eye on Washington, where former Rams defensive coordinator and interim head coach Jim Haslett now works.
Little made $2.5 million last season, a figure that included a roster bonus. No matter who signs Little, the price probably would have to be reasonable. And at age 35, Little’s best value these days is as a situational pass rusher, not an every down player. That likely would be his role with the Rams next season if he returns to St. Louis. Coach Steve Spagnuolo has had a couple of phone conversations with Little since the end of the season.
Although he’s not the player he was, say, five years ago, Little remained the Rams’ top pass rusher in ‘09. He finished with a team-high 6 1/2 sacks even though he missed the final three games of the season with a knee infection.
Tags: kevin demoff, leonard little, st. louis rams, steve spagnuolo
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