Written by Nick Wagoner at ESPN.com
The Rams are not only moving to Los Angeles, they’re also moving on from three veteran mainstays in the process.
The team announced the release of defensive end Chris Long, middle linebackerJames Laurinaitis and tight end Jared Cook on Friday.
In releasing the trio, the Rams will save about $24 million in salary-cap space. That could set them up to re-sign some of their own key free agents, like cornerbacks Janoris Jenkins and Trumaine Johnson, and safeties such as Rodney McLeod and Mark Barron.
“This is the time of year when all NFL teams are faced with difficult decisions regarding their veteran players,” Rams coach Jeff Fisher said in a statement. “Chris and James are the epitome of what it means to be a pro in this league and it’s been an honor to coach them both.
“They’ve been the pillars of our defense for many years and not enough can be said of their love for the game and for their teammates. Beyond the field, they took pride in mentoring the younger players and doing their part to make a real difference in the St. Louis community. We will always be grateful for James’ and Chris’ unselfish commitment to the Rams and wish them the best moving forward.”
Long took to Instagram to offer an honest assessment of his performance the past two years and to thank fans for rooting for him in his time with the team. Between the 2010 and 2013 seasons, Long posted 41.5 sacks, which ranks fifth among defensive linemen. But over the last two seasons, Long has posted a total of 4.0 sacks, which ranks tied for 101st among players at his position.
Laurinaitis was actually at the team facility working out when Fisher called him into his office and broke the news.
“I was surprised by it, I was shocked at first,” Laurinaitis told ESPN.com. “But I also know this is a business and when you start to move toward the front of the parking spaces and get a little older, all those people in front of you have left so you are not any different than anybody else who is getting up there. I’m going into Year 8, and I’m still 29 and I still feel like I’m playing at a productive level. I was a little shocked from that point of view but man other than that, it’s a business.
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