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Fox Sports' Alex Marvez tweeted the Rams will be signing ex-Tampa Bay Buccanneer and two-time Pro Bowl guard Davin Joseph shortly.
First, the proof:
My @foxsports1 exclusive: @STLouisRams set to sign ex- @TBBuccaneers G Davin Joseph
— Alex Marvez (@alexmarvez) May 27, 2014
Now, the impact...which could be significant.
Joseph's coming off of a disappointing 2013 season after missing all of 2012 due to a knee injury. That's all up front for the Rams to deal with as prior to 2012, Joseph had put together a pretty impressive career with two Pro Bowl appearances in 2008 and 2011. While Tampa was entertaining trade partners for Joseph in the last few months, his $6m contract proved too weighty for potential suitors who (wisely) waited the Bucs out.
Now, the Rams add a guard with a strong resume, albeit a risky medical history behind the 30-year old vet. There's a question as to how this would affect one of either Rodger Saffold or rookie Greg Robinson who were in line for the starting jobs. That may be a question left to be answered through team activities in the months ahead.
In any case assuming Marvez's reporting holds true, the Rams might well have a problem on their hands at guard.
The good kind of problem.
UPDATE: Per Waggo, sounds like it will be a one-year contract:
#Rams deal with OG Davin Joseph not done yet but confirmed team is finalizing a one-year deal with him. @alexmarvez first reported.
— Nick Wagoner (@nwagoner) May 27, 2014