The Rams began their roster-shaping and their salary cap drive Friday, releasing veteran strong safety Corey Chavous. Chavous, 33, came to St. Louis as a free agent with the arrival of coach Scott Linehan in 2006. He was a three-year starter, a defensive team captain last year, and one of the most respected players in the locker room.

But his lack of speed became more of a liability on defense during his tenure with the Rams, and he lost his starting job to Todd Johnson late in the 2008 season. It became apparent as the season wound down, even before Steve Spagnuolo was hired, that Chavous didn’t fit into the Rams plans for 2009 and beyond.

Earlier in the week, Chavous’ agent requested that the Rams release him as soon as possible, thus giving Chavous more time to look for another job before the start of the free agency and trading period. Releasing Chavous saves the Rams $1.2 million in cap space.