Rams Optimistic They Will Sign Sam Bradford Soon
The St. Louis Rams are optimistic that they will reach an agreement with the number one overall draft pick Sam Bradford by Thursday. This is when quarterbacks and rookies are due for their first taste in the pros and are expected at training camp.
Whenever Bradford arrives, the former University of Oklahoma quarterback (QB) won't be throwing passes to Terrell Owens, who the Rams have shown interest in. Owens, who signed with Cincinnati earlier this week, was poised to give St. Louis a Pro Bowl receiver and a deep threat in the passing game— something the team has been missing since the 1999, 2000, and 2001. With receivers such as Isaac Bruce and Torry Holt, the Rams had a prolific passing attack.
But those were the good old days in St. Louis. Today, the Rams are thin at wide receiver and are looking for a suitable quarterback to lead the franchise.
Head coach Steve Spagnuolo said talks are preceding with Bradford and the coach was hopeful a deal would be reached soon. Spagnuolo pointed out that Bradford has said in the past that he wanted to be in camp on time.
In any case, Spagnuolo reiterated that veteran A.J. Feeley will open camp as the Rams' starting quarterback. "Just like I stated all last spring, if we played today, A.J. would be the guy," Spagnuolo said.
But the rookie will have every opportunity to steal the job before Week 1. In 2008, Matt Ryan was named the starter in Atlanta and a year after Matthew Stafford became Detroit’s signal caller. These rookies were able to land starting jobs by showcasing their talents during preseason.
Spagnuolo didn't seem too concerned about the possibility that Bradford might miss the two days of rookie workouts before the first full-squad practice Saturday.
"We wouldn't be able to play the season," the coach joked. "Of course, every day matters, but however it happens and when he gets in here we'll deal with it."
Bradford is itching to get this deal over with and get back to playing football. "You have no idea how excited I am. Just to have the opportunity to come to St. Louis and start my NFL career there is just a blessing, and I can't wait to get there and get to work. It is a dream come true,” said Bradford.
Spagnuolo was more confident that second-round pick Rodger Saffold, the Rams' other unsigned rookie, will agree to terms before the start of camp. Saffold sprained his knee during organized team activities (OTA's) in June, but he likely will start at right tackle after the Rams traded Alex Barron to the Dallas Cowboys.
"We're very optimistic it should be done hopefully in the next 24-48 hours," Spagnuolo said of a deal with Saffold. "So we keep our fingers crossed we get those two guys in and we'll be all set and ready to go."
Safford and the Rams still have some issues to hammer out, but they also have found significant common ground, a source with knowledge of the situation told NFL Network insider Jason La Canfora.
Spagnuolo also said the Rams remain interested in former Eagles running back Brian Westbrook. The two have spoken, but nothing has unfolded yet. "We have to let that process play itself out," Spagnuolo said.
Injury reports
Running back Steven Jackson might be limited early in camp after undergoing back surgery in April. Jackson will have a relatively light training camp.
Offensive lineman Mark Setterstrom is probably out for the season after undergoing triceps surgery last month. Spagnuolo said the recovery time is four to six months, and he expected the team to place Setterstrom on injured reserve or the physically unable to perform list.
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