We have been discussing what moves the Rams will make for what seems like forever, but it’s one thing to talk about it when you know nothing can happen, and it’s quite another when the moment is finally upon you. Will the Rams sign Darren Sproles or Reggie Bush? Will they bring in a veteran receiver like Plaxico Burress? What will they do to address obvious holes at guard, outside backer and safety? How will the rookies fit in with this team, and what kind of impact will they have this season? The questions are numerous, and they have all been discussed ad nauseum, but the difference is now we will finally have our answers. As much fun as it is to write about the Rams every day, I find myself feeling almost giddy about the coming weeks. I hope you all enjoy it as much as I will.

With all the questions out there, one of the biggest involves people like me and you. How does the NFL fan feel about everything that has happened over the last several months? Are you just happy the NFL is back and the season will go on? Are you having trouble finding the love you had for the NFL before the lockout? After hearing about the lockout every day are you just sick of the NFL right now? These are all valid questions that only you can answer for yourself. I, for one, am just happy the season is starting. There are still some hard feelings, but when the ball is kicked off on that first Sunday of the regular season … Maybe when the ball is kicked off in that first preseason game … I won’t be thinking about the lockout.

There were many questions posed here today in this article, but in my mind there’s really only one that truly matters right now. ARE YOU READY FOR SOME FOOTBALL?!?!

2008: Chris Long (6 year, $56.5 million)
2007: Calvin Johnson (6 year, $64 million)
2006: Reggie Bush (6 year, $51 million)

The signing also means that St. Louis now has all seven draft choices under contract, giving the Rams the pleasure of entering camp with zero holdouts whether it be veterans or rookies. The contract also helps QB Marc Bulger breathe a little easier knowing that the Rams are slowly putting together the puzzle that is their offensive line. Over the last couple seasons Bulger has been one of the most sacked quarterbacks in the NFL thanks to an offensive line that rotates more than the merry go round at your local playground. Over the past two seasons alone Bulger has seen a fair amount of names along the offensive line. While most quarterbacks have the privilege of seeing the same five to seven names a season as they scan their offensive line, it wouldn’t be too far-fetched to say that Bulger may have went into games with no clue who would be playing where along his line. As any Rams fan will tell you, this caused Bulger to shy away from setting his feet during throws and ultimately turned him into a very timid QB; nothing like the Bulger that threw for 24 TDs and 4301 Yds in 2006. And with the huge 6 year, $65 million deal that he signed in July 2007, Rams fans couldn’t be any more eager to see the old Bulger back.

This of course, is where Smith comes in. Smith brings a very athletic and energetic presence to an offensive line that has been the exact opposite lately. He comes with an almost unfair expectation (that being filling the shoes of Orlando Pace), but if any rookie could do it, I believe it is this kid. However, the Pace comparisons will have to wait awhile, because it appears the Rams will be starting out Smith at RT and moving Alex Barron over to LT to block Bulger’s blindside. Only time will tell if the Rams are on their way to solidifying their offensive line.

Update 4:39 P.M. :I have heard that the deal will reach a maximum of $62 million with around $33 million in guaranteed money.