Rams Sign G Jacob Bell to 6-Year $36 Million Deal, With $13 Million Guaranteed

After the beating that Marc Bulger took last season, it seems that the St. Louis Rams front office is determined to make his protection a priority this offseason. Today the Rams signed unrestricted free agent guard Jacob Bell to a 6-year $36 million contract, including a $7 million signing bonus and $13 million in total guaranteed money. The Rams had been interested in speaking with guard Alan Faneca, but never got a chance as the New York Jets quickly snared him with a 5-year $40 million deal on the opening of free agency. Bell seems like a good alternative, as he is only 27 and has started basically 3 out his 4 years in the league, and is viewed as one of the up and coming guards to have recently hit the market.

Bell was drafted by the Tennesee Titans out of Miami (FL) University in the 5th round of the 2004 NFL Draft, and quickly became a starter for the Titans rebuilding line. In 4 years he appeared in 55 games, and started 46. The move leaves Tennesee with second year man Leroy Harris to fill in the spot vacated by the departure of Bell. Look for them to continue to use mid and late round draft picks to develop young offensive lineman, as has been the status quo for the franchise.

Don't be surprised if the Rams, who draft 2nd overall in this upcoming NFL Draft this year, end up selecting top rated offensive tackle prospect Jake Long. They were not hesitant to take Orlando Pace with the 1st overall pick in the 1997 NFL Draft, and he turned out to be a 7-time Pro Bowler for them, but is at the end of his career. An offensive line anchored by Jake Long and Jacob Bell, along with recent draft picks Alex Barron and Richie Incognito, would look pretty promising and provide a solid foundation for the Rams offense for the next 8 to 10 years.