Rams News Recap: March 18

[RamBill]

Breaking Down LB Akeem Ayers’ Contract with the Rams –Wagoner
More details of the deals the St. Louis Rams got done last week have continued to trickle out, with recently-added linebacker Akeem Ayers now joining the mix.

Rams Add Free-Agent OT from Detroit –PD
Addressing a need on a razor-thin offensive line, the Rams signed free-agent offensive tackle Garrett Reynolds to a two-year, $2.2 million deal, the team announced Wednesday. (With incentives it can max out at $4.2 million.)

Meet New Rams OL Garrett Reynolds –Video

Rams sign O-Lineman Garrett Reynolds –PFT
The Rams have released a pair of offensive linemen this offseason and they added one to bolster their numbers up front on Wednesday.

WR Kenny Britt Talks Rams –Video

On Rams passing on first-rounder for Sam Bradford –Wagoner
Speaking to Pro Football Talk Live soon after the news conference introducing quarterback Nick Foles to the St. Louis media, Rams coach Jeff Fisher acknowledged that he had turned down a first-round pick in exchange for quarterback Sam Bradford before making the deal with Philadelphia.

St. Louis Rams Ownership at a Glance –Wagoner

Morning Ram-blings: The MLS and St. Louis –Wagoner
One of the more overlooked elements of the St. Louis stadium proposal is the potential for the stadium to host something other than professional football.

Does Kenny Britt Signing Affect Rams’ Approach to 2015 Draft? –Audio

Wagoner’s Buzz: Rams Have Questions on Offensive Line –Video

Rams Kevin Demoff talks about the team and Riverfront Stadium –Video

Gruden’s QB Camp: Marcus Mariota –Video

Will Others Follow in Chris Borland’s Footsteps? –Video

 

[RamBill]

Morning Ram-blings: Kroenke's grand plan
By Nick Wagoner

http://espn.go.com/blog/st-louis-rams/post/_/id/17181/morning-ram-blings-kroenkes-grand-plan

EARTH CITY, Mo. -- Getting to know St. Louis Rams owner Stan Kroenke is a difficult proposition unless you're in his inner circle but ESPN the Magazine senior writer Dave Fleming did his best to offer some insight into Kroenke's vision for Los Angeles on Wednesday.

Fleming's story offers a deep look into Kroenke's roots, how he built his vast empire and what the end game would be for moving the Rams to Los Angeles.

By now, it should be clear to anyone paying attention that Kroenke's goal is indeed to take his team to Los Angeles somehow or another. As Fleming points out, the major jump in club value from the move alone would make it appealing for a man who has made a living of expanding always in all ways.

I won't go into full details on the story, it's certainly worth a read for anyone curious on the topic.

One quick opinion: It's a disservice to Kroenke's success to dismiss what he's done solely as a product of marrying into the Walton family. It's naive to think it didn't help but Kroenke is as savvy and intelligent as any businessman around and his rank in those terms against NFL owners should take a backseat to nobody.

It's a big part of the reason that there's still a strong belief Kroenke will get what he wants when this is all said and done.

Speaking of Kroenke, here's a look at his capsule with information on how he runs the team and how he acquired it.

I.C.Y.M.I.

A roundup of Wednesday's Rams stories appearing on ESPN.com. ... The Ram-blings opened the day with a look at how the MLS could affect what's happening in St. Louis. ... In the Buzz video, we discussed the team's needs on the offensive line. ... The Rams passed on the No. 19 pick in exchange for Sam Bradford but it was a logical decision. ... Breaking down linebacker Akeem Ayers' two-year contract. ... The Rams signed offensive lineman Garrett Reynolds.

Elsewhere:

ESPN NFL Insider Mike Sando provides his 10 best bargains so far, including a Rams mention.

Fun read from Lions reporter Michael Rothstein on the son of a former Rams' great.

The free-agent wire gives you the latest from all over the league.

101sports.com says the Rams need to get something going to improve the offensive line.

At stltoday.com, Jim Thomas participated in his weekly chat.