A few former Rams have been in the news over the last few days, so I figured I’d keep everyone update on their situations. First, as many of you have probably already heard, Marc Bulger signed a deal to be a backup with the Baltimore Ravens. The Ravens gave Bulger a reported $3.8 million to play backup to Joe Flacco, and I must say that it surprised me. It doesn’t surprise me that Bulger is a backup, because let’s be honest, he isn’t an NFL starting quarterback. What shocks me is that he will make $3.8 million next season when the Ravens already had some viable backups at the position. Let me ask you this. Would you rather have John Beck or Troy Smith backing up Flacco or Bulger making $3.8 mil? If you ask me, this is a questionable move at best by Baltimore.

Pro Football Talk is reporting that DE Leonard Little has “all but decided to play” next season after contemplating retirement. We haven’t heard much from Leonard this offseason, but it looks like he will be in action next year. I don’t know what the interest level is in St. Louis, but we could do worse. Little visited the Saints earlier this summer, but he didn’t sign a deal and we haven’t heard anything from him since. I’ll keep an eye on him as the summer progresses, and if I hear anything on this front I’ll let you know.

It wasn’t the easiest negotiation of all time, but the Rams have finally agreed to a deal with free agent linebacker Na’il Diggs. Diggs came to town several weeks ago for a visit, and the two sides had been close to a deal for some time. The news hit last night, and the team made the official announcement earlier today. It is looking like Diggs will take over at weak-side linebacker for Paris Lenon, but he is versatile enough to play the strong-side as well. Diggs has been in the league since 2000, and he has played at least 14 games in all but two of his nine years. He started his career with the Green Bay Packers, and he had his best season in 2003 where he finished with 87 tackles, one sack, and two interceptions. In 2006, Diggs left the frozen tundra for the warmer climate of Carolina and he played with the Panthers for four seasons where he played under current Rams DC Ken Flajole. Over his entire nine-year career, Diggs has played in 145 games, recorded 566 tackles (452 solo), 11.5 sacks, and five interceptions. I have talked about Diggs a bit previously, but there is no question that he is an upgrade over Paris Lenon in the linebacking corps. I lke the fact that he can play either side comfortably, and Spags really seems to like his leadership ability. With that being said, he is getting a bit older and there is no doubt that he has lost a step over the years. One thing we have to remember is that rebuilding this team is going to be a process, and getting a guy like Diggs is a move that can pay off now by getting a player and later by his ability to help any younger guys at the position.

Speaking of free agents, the Rams appear to still have some interest in bringing back DE Leonard Little, although the team wants him to play a more reduced role. Little hasn’t said much regarding his plans for next season, but the Rams would like him to serve as a situational pass-rusher for one more season. I hope Leonard finishes his career in St. Louis, and I think he could still be a valuable asset to the defense in the right capacity.

Defensive Ends

• Leonard Little: One of the better defensive players the Rams have had over the last few seasons, Little appears to be healthy and completely ready to have another big year.
• Chris Long: Long will be the starting RE this season, bringing a great mix of speed and power to the line.  Showed terrific explosiveness last season with 16 QB hurries.
• James Hall: Hall has been impressing coaches this season with a tremendous work ethic and even better attitude.  He appears to have the backup spot locked up and is poised to have a solid comeback season.
• Victor Adeyanju: I remember Adeyanju’s rookie season.  When he returned a fumble for a touchdown I though “Wow, this kid is going places.”  Well, he didn’t become a star as fast as I wanted him to, but he is slowly getting better as the years go along.
• Backup’s Backups- C.J. Ah You and Eric Moore

Defensive Tackles

• Adam Carriker: The Rams injury prone first round pick from three years ago, Carriker will already miss a couple weeks with a sprained ankle.  The lack of depth however allows him to keep his starting job.  Hopefully he will have a breakout season this year.
• Clifton Ryan: Ryan has been a very pleasent surprise for the Rams and looks to be the starting right DT this season.  If he continues to improve, he could become a real force on the Rams’ defensive line.
• Hollis Thomas: A seasoned veteran signed out of free agency, Thomas has already had a big impact on the Rams this season.
• Dorell Scott: The Rams’ fourth round draft pick, Scott has already been impressing coaches early on in camp.  Although he will not see a tremendous amount of playing time this year, he is definitely someone to watch for.
• Backup’s Backups: Antwon Burton and Gary Gibson