Rams don't keep Pace: Cutting him saves $6 million in cap space
Associated Press
ST. LOUIS -- Orlando Pace, a seven-time Pro Bowl offensive tackle dogged by injuries in recent seasons, was released by St. Louis on Tuesday. Orlando Pace, OT St. Louis Rams
Career Statistics Seasons: 12 Games Played: 158 Games Started: 154
The move clears $6 million in salary-cap space for the Rams, who were 2-14 last season and own the No. 2 overall pick in next month's NFL draft.
Team owner Chip Rosenbloom said in a statement that Pace, who was the first overall pick in the 1997 draft, would be remembered as "one of the finest Rams of all time." Pace, 33, started 14 games last season, but he missed half of 2007 and virtually all of 2006 due to injuries.
"I can't begin to thank Orlando for all he has meant to the Rams organization," Rosenbloom added in the statement. "It is never easy to end a relationship that has had as much success as ours, but in the interest of Orlando and the Rams, we feel now is the right time."
Pace was the first offensive lineman chosen No. 1 overall since the Minnesota Vikings took Ron Yary in the 1968 draft. The Rams dealt four draft picks -- a first-, a third-, a fourth- and a seventh-rounder -- to the New York Jets for the right to move up five spots on draft day and select Pace.
The former Ohio State University star was selected to seven consecutive Pro Bowls from 1999 to 2005 and started in two Super Bowls, including the franchise's lone title after the 1998 season. Addressing needs After releasing Orlando Pace, the Rams might be joining the growing list of teams who could go after a young offensive tackle in the draft, Pat Kirwin writes. More ...
Pace's Pro Bowl haul is tied with Jack Youngblood for fourth in franchise history. Only Hall of Famers Merlin Olsen (14) and Tom Mack (11) and linebacker Les Richter (8) were selected to more all-star games. Pace also blocked for three consecutive league MVPs from 1999 to 2001 -- quarterback Kurt Warner in 1999 and 2001 and running back Marshall Faulk in 2000.
"Orlando Pace has been a mainstay on the Rams' offensive line since he was drafted in 1997, and he has proven to be one of the most efficient offensive tackles throughout his career," Rams general manager Billy Devaney said in the statement released by the team.
The Rams also are considering releasing another longtime star, wide receiver Torry Holt, in a move that would save them an additional $8 million in salary-cap space.
MakeRomoCry wrote:Let's not. Old, injured and at the end of his career.
I second that.
Agreed.
Yet, just less than a year ago, Jason Taylor was signed. Different circunstances, I know, but you can never be sure when Vinny is around.
Apples and Oranges. When we signed Taylor, he hadn't missed a game due to injury since 1999, and he had 11 sacks the year before (and 36.5 sacks in the 2005, 2006, and 2007 seasons).
Orlando Pace hasn't played a full season since 2005, and in fact, has played a grand total of 11 games in 2006, 2007, and 2008.
MakeRomoCry wrote:Let's not. Old, injured and at the end of his career.
I second that.
Agreed.
Yet, just less than a year ago, Jason Taylor was signed. Different circunstances, I know, but you can never be sure when Vinny is around.
Apples and Oranges. When we signed Taylor, he hadn't missed a game due to injury since 1999, and he had 11 sacks the year before (and 36.5 sacks in the 2005, 2006, and 2007 seasons).
Orlando Pace hasn't played a full season since 2005, and in fact, has played a grand total of 11 games in 2006, 2007, and 2008.
Huge difference. HUGE.
Jeez, would you stop with the logic and reasoning!!!
...any given Sunday....
RIP #21 Sean Taylor. You will be loved and adored by Redskins fans forever!!!!!
GSPODS:
The National Anthem sucks.
What a useless piece of propagandist rhetoric that is.
MakeRomoCry wrote:Let's not. Old, injured and at the end of his career.
I second that.
Agreed.
Yet, just less than a year ago, [b][b]Jason Taylor was signed[/b][/b]. Different circunstances, I know, but you can never be sure when Vinny is around.
??
2-2|0-4|1-2|0-0
home: 3-2
road: 0-6
Since 2000 the Redskins have scored 40 pts 2 times!!!!
12/30/01 @ NO 40-10 W
10/23/05 vs SF 52-17 W
Two 40pt games in a decade?? serious?? cant make up that sad fact!!