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The Los Angeles Rams have released C Demetrius Rhaney:
Rams are releasing client Center/Guard Demetrius Rhaney. Rhaney, drafted in 2014, has been with the Rams as the backup center for 3 years.
— Christina Phillips (@PrecisionSprts) June 20, 2017
It’s an unremarkable end to Rhaney’s career with the Rams after being taken in the seventh round of the 2014 NFL Draft out of Tennessee State. His rookie season was shelved before it started because of a knee injury. In 2015, he got the silver medal in the three-way battle for the starting spot between Tim Barnes, Barrett Jones and Rhaney, a battle in which a majority of respondents to the poll in this piece favored Rhaney to win.
With the signing of John Sullivan earlier in free agency, it was clear Rhaney wasn’t long for the starting gig in 2017. It sounds per Orange County Register and Los Angeles Daily News beat writer Rich Hammond, the performance of some other young centers in the offseason program may have made this decision easier for the coaching staff:
Team source confirms. Rams are pleased with progress of Austin Blythe and Jake Eldrenkamp. https://t.co/a6Dhy33qNi
— Rich Hammond (@Rich_Hammond) June 20, 2017
That sets up an interesting potential battle for the backup center spot on the 2017 53-man roster with less than 40 days to training camp.
Today, it means Demetrius Rhaney is now a free agent.