Could This Year Be Bulger's Last in STL?

by Ryan Van Bibber on May 20, 2007 9:22 AM CDT in Events

It's likely too soon to read much into the situation, but it is notable that Rams QB Marc Bulger has entered the final year of his contract with the Rams. Bulger and the team have yet to work out a deal, considered unusual by some.

So with Organized Team Activities getting underway this week, questions are surfacing as to whether or not Bulger and the Rams are in each other's future.

Honestly, I tend to think that contract talks with Bulger had to wait for what was an important free agent and draft for the Rams this offseason. With those out of the way, I'd look for the two parties to start talking soon.

Now, will they be able to work out a deal, that's the $64K question - more like $4+ million question, but you get the idea. Bulger's an elite QB - not in the Manning class but more than enough to build an offense around - and at just 30 years old he's got plenty of career left. Linehan, entering his second year as head coach, has implemented a different kind of offense, a more conservative one that utilizes a nice blend of up the middle runs and mid range passing, hence his desire for size at the TE and WR positions as well as the decision to draft Leonard. Bulger, who really started to pick up the new offense mid way through last season, fit prety well, so I can't imagine a justification for letting him go due to him not being a good fit.

The lack of a suitable replacement for Bulger presents another strong argument as to why it's easy to see the Rams trying to get him signed. Jettisoning a top notch starting QB after this season would be an absolute disaster for team with as many players as the Rams have in the prime (or twilight) of their careers.

This one seems like all smoke and no fire.

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Agree

I have been of the mindset all along that the Rams were sorting out their free agent signings and draft to get a better picture of what to do with Bulger. This should be coming.

However, with that being said, I'm not so sure I have complete faith in the braintrust at Rams Park. They don't always make the right decisions and when you have a number cruncher like Zygmut making personel decisions...you're asking for trouble.

Bottom line. If they wait until free agency, or decide to go in another direction, they will have set the organization back 5 years minimum. Bulger is a top 5 quarterback and will get paid big time if he hits the market.

How much do you think Martz would love to have Bulger back? What about the rest of the NFC Central? Green Bay? Minnesota? Hell, even Chicago would love to have him. And that doesn't even include our in-state rivals, and home of so many ex-Rams, the Chiefs.

They won't be able to out-bid everyone and if they are stuck looking for a replacement, well who out there is a good as Bulger? I doubt Manning's leaving Indy anytime soon. Same for Brady. And Frerrotte (or however you spell that name) is like 90 and Fitzpatrick, well I really don't have to make a case against Fitz...it's pretty self-explanitory.

Anyway, in short. Sign Marc Bulger. As soon as possible.

by Big Red on May 20, 2007 9:42 AM CDT reply actions

Agreed on all counts

We absolutely had to get something done about the defense this year, shoring up Pisa and Leonard's deals. Now that free agency and the draft, both of which are looking more like successes with every article I read (has anyone read anything bad about Carriker? Christ!) the focus will now go to Bulger. One angle we aren't considering is: What if Bulger WANTS to test free agency? I realize it's not something we really want to think about, but remember a few months back when we were pining for certain positions to be filled during free agency and certain people (Terdell Sands, Vonnie Holliday, Hollis Thomas) all chose to re-sign with their teams and miss undoubtedly a nice payoff for free agency? I hope Bulger does work something out soon, but I think it becomes more realistic day after day, especially with an increased cap, that players will start looking for a big pay off.

by strugglemonkey on May 20, 2007 6:16 PM CDT reply actions

There is something to that.

But Bulger doesn't strike me as that kind of guy. Granted, I don't know him and could be completely wrong, but unless he either hates Linehan or is dying to go back to Martz, I don't see him wanting to go out and sell off to the highest bidder.

by Big Red on May 20, 2007 7:29 PM CDT up reply actions

Right

I wasn't trying to be too negative, but if Nate Clements is worth that, what's Bulger's market value?

by strugglemonkey on May 21, 2007 7:54 AM CDT up reply actions

franchise tag

I'm a little fuzzy on how the "franchise" option works, but could they tag him with that at the end of the season and then work out a deal?

by Ryan Van Bibber on May 21, 2007 3:07 PM CDT reply actions

That's always an option

but rarely ends well. Just look at the Briggs situation in Chicago. For whatever reason, the players feel it's a low blow by the team to do it. Briggs has been crying all off-season about wanting "market value". Well, he's not on the market, so "market value" doesn't apply here.

Anyway, before i got side-tracked on Briggs (which might happen here again soon), players take it as a low blow and complain about the team. Well, it's their own union who approved it, so if they have a bitch, it should be with them.

Granted, we all know it worked out with Pace, but I think he was more the exception than the norm. IMO, Pace didn't want to go anywhere...and I'm including training camp. The way I saw it, he was always going to play for the Rams, he just didn't want to deal with Macomb in the summer. Can you really blame him?

Whatever. I still don't think Bulger is a greedy guy. I would highly doubt he'd act like a baby like Briggs, so the Tag might work. But, it really serves no purpose in making the player happy.

Bottom line. If he wants to come back and they want him...sign him. Don't screw around with the tag. Just get it done.

Pronto.

(btw, heard today there might be a Briggs trade in the works to Philadelphia for McNabb.)

by Big Red on May 21, 2007 8:31 PM CDT up reply actions

they'll sign him

they just couldn;t justify getting away with not doing it, even if he scuffles a bit (not to mention gulp injured). losing him would doom the team, all that high $$ firepower on offense and no QB. Fans would be piiiiiiiiissed off!

by Ryan Van Bibber on May 22, 2007 6:44 PM CDT up reply actions