St. Louis Rams Sign Defensive Tackle Nick Fairley

Prior to introducing quarterback Nick Foles to the St. Louis Rams in a press conference on Friday, the team brought in defensive tackle Nick Fairley to announce that the team had signed the former Detroit Lion.

Head coach Jeff Fisher then sent Fairley to go sign his contract. According to ESPN NFL Insider Adam Schefter, the deal is worth $5 million, but can increase up to $8 million with incentives.

The 27-year-old Fairley was the Lions’ first-round pick in 2011 with the No. 13 pick out of Auburn. One selection later, the Rams picked Robert Quinn, now both are playing on the same team.

With the addition of Fairley, the Rams now have five defensive lineman that were chosen with first round picks, Chris Long(2nd overall), Michael Brockers(14th overall), Aaron Donald(13th overall), and Robert Quinn(14th overall),

The Rams signed fairly to a one-year prove it deal which makes sense. The defensive tackle has struggled in terms of dedication throughout his career dealing with injuries and weight gain. Hopefully it will be no problem as Fisher is also the only coach to get anything out of Albert Haynesworth.

Also going into his final year, unless the Rams pick up his 5th year option is Michael Brockers.It wouldnt be surprising if whichever of the two performs better this season, the Rams extend to play next to Aaron Donald for the next couple of years.

Fairley played in 46 games for the Lions, recording 98 tackles, 13.5 sacks, and four forced fumbles. He has also been graded as one of the better defensive tackles when it comes to stopping the run, piling up a total 14.4 grade combined the last two seasons according to Pro Football Focus.

Now that the Rams have cemented themselves as having one of the best defensive lines in the NFL, hopefully it will force them to move on to other things like the offensive line and secondary.

Offensive lineman, Justin Blalock, could visit the Rams as soon as next week and Jim Thomas has been told that a visit with the Rams is “very possible” for Stefen Wisniewski.

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