The St. Louis Rams look like they will be actively pursuing cornerback help on the free agent market this spring. According to Gregg Rosenthal of Pro Football Talk, the Rams are expected to pursue Detroit Lions cornerback Eric Wright, if he gets away from the Lions as a free agent.
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The news hints at a couple changes likely for the Rams' roster this season.
Wright is something of a known commodity for Jeff Fisher. His son Brandon, the Rams new assistant defensive backs coach, worked with Wright last season in Detroit as a defensive assistant. Wright joined the Lions on a one-year deal.
A second-round pick by the Browns in 2007, Wright played his first four seasons there, starting most of the time. He signed with the Lions last season because he had a better shot at a starting job than he did in Cleveland ... and he earned the starting job there. However ...
Wright was one of the worst cornerbacks in the league last season. He earned the 105th spot on Pro Football Focus' position ratings with a -14.1 overall grade. Compare that to Justin King, PFF's worst cornerback, who had a -22.6 overall rating.
Wright has the potential, which should make him an attractive, low-cost player for Fisher's coaching staff. The Rams defensive backs coach, Chuck Cecil, earned a reputation as a hard-nosed leader capable of bringing out the best in late-round players under Fisher. He could be a benefit to Wright.
This news also does not bode well for the future of Ron Bartell. Cutting Bartell, who is returning from a fractured neck, would save the Rams $6 million this season. A veteran with a big cap number in the last year of his contract, Bartell likely has a target on his back with a new staff in the house.