The Rams spent big for corner Cortland Finnegan and center Scott Wells. Will they and other free-agent acquisitions rejuvenate this 2-14 team?
CB Cortland Finnegan: Signed in March for five years and $50 million, including $27 million guaranteed, the feisty 28-year-old was almost a must-sign player for a team that had no corners. He’s expected to match up with the league’s top wideouts and mentor rookies Janoris Jenkins and Trumaine Johnson. Jeff Fisher, who coached him in Tennessee, likes the “edge” Finnegan brings and says he isn’t concerned Finnegan will cross the line, like he did in 2010 when he got into an on-field fight with Andre Johnson. Finnegan has not disappointed in camp so far.
C Scott Wells: The 31-year-old made his first Pro Bowl last season with the Packers and should be a major upgrade over Jason Brown. Wells got a four-year deal worth $24 million, including $13 million guaranteed. But Wells has yet to practice as he recovers from arthroscopic knee surgery. Fisher is being cautious with Wells, but it’s a concern. The offensive line can't develop cohesion until Wells returns.
OLB Jo-Lonn Dunbar: Dunbar is lining up as the starting weakside linebacker after leaving the Saints to sign with St. Louis. Dunbar’s critics point out he’s undersized (6-0, 226) and misses too many tackles (13 last season). But he started 14 games for New Orleans last year, making 79 tackles and forcing two fumbles. And he’s 27, younger than the Rams’ other options at OLB. The former undrafted free agent from Boston College certainly should help on special teams: he's made 34 special teams tackles in his four-year career.
Get more Rams updates and analysis from Larry Hartstein @CBSSportsNFLSTL.
