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The St. Louis Rams need all the help that they can get along their offensive line, a unit depleted with injury, the ravages of age and free agency. To that end, the team will meet with Rodger Saffold's representation in Indianapolis this week during the annual NFL Scouting Combine.
Tony Pauline reported the Saffold bit on Thursday morning:
It's a similar situation with Rodger Saffold and the St Louis Rams, so I'm told. The team met with Saffold's agents last month and are expected to sit down with them again in Indianapolis.
That's not an unusual move. The Rams met with Steven Jackson's people at the Combine last year, and most teams will use the opportunity to talk with reps for their free agents. Of course, so do the other teams, even if they're not supposed to.
The thing teams have to figure out is how much money Saffold is looking for. Andy Levitre, the top catch among guards in free agency last year, got a six-year, $46 million deal with $13 million guaranteed, from the Titans last year. He also had never missed a game in his career and was well established as a guard. Saffold played well at guard last year, but in limited duty. He hasn't played a 16-game season since his rookie year in 2010.
Saffold's value will be helped by his ability to play tackle, on both sides, at a league-average level or better. But teams will be cautious about giving him top OL money because of his health. Then again, all it takes is one team to set a high price.