After visiting Rams Park last week, free-agent linebacker Chris Draft left without a contract. He now has one.
Draft became the latest offseason addition by the Rams, agreeing to terms on a three-year contract Monday night. The Rams also agreed to terms Monday on a one-year deal with cornerback Mike Rumph.
At worst, Draft will provide quality depth at all three linebacker positions. But he could challenge Brandon Chillar for the starting spot at strongside linebacker.
“We didn’t promise him anything when it came to the position,” coach Scott Linehan said. “But he’s a proven player who has come in and played at a high level when he’s been called upon to start. Certainly we’re going to play the best 11 players on defense.”
Draft, 31, has started 71 regular-season games over a nine-year NFL career that has included stints with Chicago, San Francisco, Atlanta and Carolina. Last season in Carolina, Draft started all 16 games, including 14 games at middle linebacker in place of the injured Dan Morgan. Draft registered 111 tackles, the second-highest total of his career, and also had a career-high 5½ sacks.
“He’s a three-position player,” Linehan said. “He’s started actually at different times in his career at all three spots. He made an impression on us, certainly, when we played them.”
He had 1½ sacks in Carolina’s 15-0 victory over the Rams last year.
