ugh that sucks….why wasn’t there a sense of urgency on Bartell weeks ago? Couldn’t they see this coming??

We develop so few decent players…how can we let Bartell get away and risk only getting a compensation pick back? We use a #2 on him, pay him to develop for 3 years, get a good year out of him last year, and then get a #4 draft pick in 2010 unless we sign a bunch of better free agents this offseason (in which case the pick would be even worse). How is this progress?

There was a sense of urgency, the Rams have been in talks since the Combine, they just couldn’t agree to any terms. I think Bartell really wanted to test the waters to see what other teams may offer. Before we start jumping on the “Same ol Rams” band wagon, let’s see what the new regime does.

The combine wasn’t weeks ago. If Bartell leaves that creates a big hole on the roster with only Hill, King, and maybe Brown. Bartell may be the first free agent the new regime has to overpay. Come on Demoff, make it happen.

Don’t forget Ricky Manning Jr who was playing increasingly well until he got hurt.

I would say this has nothing to do with Rams Management and everything to do with Bartell. Why wouldn’t you test the open waters when there aren’t really any good DB’s in free agency and some of the bigger named players have just signed HUGE contracts. If he doesn’t get the money he wants in Free Agency he knows what the Rams are offering. I think its a pretty smart play on Bartell’s part. Being a Rams fan I hope we retain him though he is starting to become a premier player.

Well this is very unfortunate, Ron was developing into a great corner. Good luck in New Orleans Mr. Bartell. At least it looks like we’re going to sign Jason Brown, I’m really happy the Rams FO is going after this kid, 25 years old, with a huge upside, and he can handle a beast like Albert Haynesworth all day long. Give that man a contract Rams!

Can’t blame Bartell for checking out the market for other opportunities. Obviously, the Rams would like to keep one of their better defensive players. If he walks, the Rams have to fill the void in the secondary. The Rams have no depth back there. Hate to overpay for him…..not sure that he’s all that and a bag of chips.

Too bad Dan Snyder is throwing around crazy money at overrated DeAngelo Hall. Why wouldn’t Bartell test the market with that kind of jack at stake? Bummer, too … Bartell, Atogwe, and James Butler (I hope) would make for a solid foundation in the secondary.

We have been overpaying for free agents for a long time. Bartell just started playing well, before that he was an average nickel back at best. Would hate to lose him but for some reason, I have confidence in these new guys at the helm to be able to compensate. At least they have instilled some excitement into what is going on.