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Jeff Fisher said that the St. Louis Rams' first priority in free agency would be hanging onto their own guys. That finally happened on Tuesday with the team coming to terms with defensive end William Hayes, less than hour before he hit the free agent market.
Rams have agreed to terms with DE William Hayes.
— Jim Thomas (@jthom1) March 12, 2013
Hayes was a one-year flyer for the Rams in 2012, signed to a one-year, $1 million deal to bolster the depth on the defensive line. He came from Tennessee where he played for Jeff Fisher. Prior to landing with the Rams, Hayes was a part-time player mostly used as a rotational run stopper. With Chris Long on the other side and Robert Quinn in the mix too, Hayes broke out for a career-best seven sacks.
His sacks total was a nice addition for the Rams, but his contributions in the run game can't be overlooked. Hayes gives the Rams a solid, mobile defender that helps seal off of the edges.
The Lions were on team reportedly interested in signing Hayes to replace their losses on the defensive line. He certainly would have had some takers on the market. Terms of his deal with the Rams are not yet known.