Rams Want George Paton For GM Job

The St. Louis Rams may be close to finding their general manager. According to reports from the Post-Dispatch, Minnesota Vikings director of player personnel George Paton is leading a two-horse race with Atlanta's Les Snead.

Paton had a second interview with the Rams this last week. He will meet with Rams owner Stan Kroenke in the coming days, if he has not already. Paton has held his current position in the Vikings' front office for five years.

And what has Paton standing above the other candidates? His reputation for working with others has reportedly earned him an endorsement from new head coach and football czar in St. Louis, Jeff Fisher. His work as a personnel man in Minnesota speaks well of his ability too, despite the Vikings' miserable record.

Paton made the move to acquire Jared Allen. He also let the oft-injured, but super talented Sidney Rice walk away in free agency rather than tie up big bucks to keep him. That qualifies as making a tough decision, something he would likely have to do with the Rams as the new staff turns over some big contracts on the roster.

Arizona's Steve Keim had some inside the organization lobbying for him.

The same article also notes that Rich Snead will also join the Rams staff. TST was the first to report last week that Snead was likely to join the Rams as a pro scout.