Rams sign Bulger and Carriker

by Ryan Van Bibber on Jul 27, 2007 11:16 AM CDT in News

It's done. The Rams took care of all their outstanding signings with one fell swoop of negotiations.

Bulger is wrapped up for six years and $26 million in guaranteed money. Details are still forthcoming, but it sounds like he's going to get just over $10M per season, putting him on par with the league's top QBs. Good, no, great news!

Carriker agreed to a five year deal today, according to the PD. No word on the amount, but we can reasonable assume that it's slightly more than the 5 year, $15M deal ($8M+ guaranteed)that Steelers LB and 15th overall pick Lawrence Timmons received last week.

Must have been a busy morning at Rams Park today.

Update [2007-7-27 14:19:54 by VanRam]:Details are out now in the Bulger deal, 6 years (which we knew) and $65 million and $27M in guaranteed money. Well worth the cost. Still no details on the Carriker deal.

Most immediately, these signings are big for a couple reasons that should be fairly obvious to us. First, having both players in camp and practicing for as many days and minutes as possible is important as the Rams prepare to start the season with some key new additions on offense that will add to their overall attack. Training camp is particularly important for Carriker as the Rams have already given the rookie a significant role in the defense. Second, the Rams have now locked up the central figure in the team's offense for the next six years and through the prime of his career.

Update [2007-7-27 17:50:10 by VanRam]: ESPN is reporting that Carriker's deal is worth $14.5M over five years with $9.5M in guaranteed money. Wow. If that's right, it's a samller deal than the one 15th pick Lawrence Timmons got from the Steelers for $15M. Carriker's contract, however, includes $1.5M more in guaranteed money.

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I think

this looks like a good deal for both sides. Bulger deserves elite QB pay, and thats what hes getting. Its nice that the Rams dealt with the two biggest contract issues on the same night, before camp; keeps some of my anxiety at bay. It would have been costly for the whole team having Bulger hold out for any length of time.

by ViperLjs on Jul 27, 2007 1:54 PM CDT reply actions

agreed

major distraction off the table. This speaks quite well of the franchise to handle these situations in a classy and effective manner.

by Ryan Van Bibber on Jul 27, 2007 1:55 PM CDT reply actions

I've been

happy with the Carriker pick since the draft... He seems like a really solid lineman, with a high work ethic and motor (the anti-Kennedy). He could be an impact player down the line. But is it reasonable to expect impact from him in his rookie year, after moving him from end to nose tackle? I hope I'm wrong, but I have a feeling that the team will regret not picking up more veteran help while allowing Carriker to go through his growing pains.

by ViperLjs on Jul 28, 2007 12:06 AM CDT reply actions

carriker

i don't remember where i saw it, but Carriker was really strong against the rush and was played more for that than a pass rush. so, some think he'll transition pretty easily.

by Ryan Van Bibber on Jul 28, 2007 9:22 AM CDT up reply actions

I saw somewhere

that Carriker was tossing McCollum and Incognito around for fun. And that's just off of raw talent with minimal technique on the interior. The way the media has talked about this guy since draft day you would think he would have gone higher. I also believe you can't put too much stock in any rookie at any position but I think he will be an immediate upgrade, no doubt.

by 636thestruggle on Jul 30, 2007 8:33 AM CDT up reply actions