Pace's release foreshadows Rams' draft plans

BasX · Mar 10, 2009

The Rams appear more likely to select an offensive tackle early in the 2009 draft after releasing seven-time Pro Bowl left tackle Orlando Pace.

Team owner Chip Rosenbloom hit on the key variable here when he said "now is the right time" to make this move. The Rams are rebuilding, Pace is declining and the organization can use the $6 million in additional cap space to continue remaking its roster.

Rosenbloom statement

"I can't begin to thank Orlando for all he has meant to the Rams organization, since we selected him with the first overall pick in the 1997 draft. It is never easy to end a relationship that has had as much success as ours, but in the best interest of Orlando and the Rams, we feel now is the right time.

"As a Super Bowl champion and seven-time Pro Bowler, he has been a true professional and will always go down as one of the finest Rams of all time. We wish him, Carla and their children the very best as they move onto the next chapter of their football journey."

Pace was one of the finest and most dominant offensive tackles in league history. He's still good enough to start if he can avoid the injuries that have sidelined him for significant stretches in two of the past three seasons. Pace started 14 games last season, but only nine over the previous two.

Pace is 33 years old. Another team will surely sign him. At least two teams in the NFC West would be better with Pace in the lineup, but he will have other options. The Rams do not have another starting-caliber tackle on their roster, in my view. They could try to move Alex Barron into that spot for the short term, but all signs point to them drafting a left tackle.
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Pace's release foreshadows Rams' draft plans

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