The St. Louis Rams have parted ways with another former first round pick. This time DT Adam Carriker, the team's first round pick in 2007, gets the old heave-ho, getting sent to Washington for a swap of fifth round picks. The Rams gave Washington their 32nd pick in the fifth round and Carriker; the Rams get Washington's fourth pick of that round, which gives them two picks atop the fifth round (1st and 4th). The PD is reporting that the Rams got Washington's pick straight up, PFT has the exchange of picks.
The Rams traded Carriker a day after re-signing DT Gary Gibson, the man who replaced Adam Carriker during training camp last season, before Carriker was injured and put on the shelf for the season. Today, DT Clifton Ryan also signed his RFA tender.
Carriker will play DE in Jim Haslett's 3-4 defense, reunited. The Rams now have Clifton Ryan, Fred Robbins, Gary Gibson and Darrell Scott as their primary defensive tackles.
You'll notice that the Rams did not acquire Albert Haynesworth in the deal. However, there are plenty of whispers that this move is one of several that clears the way for Washington to trade the big DT.
Four of the Rams last first round picks are still on the roster. The new regime has now traded two former first round picks, the other being Tye Hill, who have failed to live up to their potential.
It's worth remembering that the Rams are stockpiling enough draft picks to make some moves this weekend. Billy Devaney said as much in his comment to the media about the Carriker trade. Don't forget that tidbit from yesterday about Giants DE Osi Umenyiora possibly being available for a mid-round pick. I haven't seen that denied anywhere.