10.14.2009 9:57 am
Former Rams Draft, Johnson sign with Bills
St. Louis Post-Dispatch
A pair of former St. Louis Rams, linebacker Chris Draft and safety Todd Johnson, have signed with Buffalo, the Bills announced today.
Draft, the Rams’ starting strongside linebacker coming out of the preseason, was released in a surprise move three days before the start of the regular season after refusing to take a pay cut. His replacement in St. Louis, David Vobora, currently is serving a four-game suspension for violating the NFL’s policy on performance enhancing substances.
Johnson, who started three games last season for the Rams, was released Sept. 5 as part of the cut downs to the 53-man roster.
I always liked Draft, but since it took until week 6 to sign — with another lousy team at that — may indicate he’s not as good as I thought.
I suspect he is being paid the minimum. I wish he had swallowed his pride and stayed with the Rams.
I liked Draft too, but I wouldn’t say he should have “swallowed his pride.” He allocated approximately 1/3 of his salary for his charity and community efforts, and that 1/3 is basically what the Rams were trying to cut out of his pay, and he wouldn’t have it. Whether or not that was the right decsion can only be determined by Chris.
I’m all for the youth movement (which begs the question, why is Randy McMichael still on this team?) and starting fresh w/ new players…but it’s never fun see a guy like Draft get cut.
Well, Tim, McMichael is only on the roster until the Rams can draft Jermaine Gresham in the second round next spring! Actually, McMichael, Little and Hall all have expiring contracts- so that’s 3 more 30+ year-old vets coming off the rostaer.
Tim - I don’t think Stever was taking a shot at Draft. Sounds like he would have liked him to stay as well.
Draft could have picked up 5 more game checks if he had signed (probably for the same $$) and played with the Lambs. Seems to be a good guy. Hope he does well. Needless to say he won’t be getting any playoff money in Buf (or had he stayed in StL).
Meanwhile Pats sign Junior SayOw! again. what’s up with that?
curt i like the idea on getting gresham but dont you think him being lost for the season will drop him lower in the draft.
Good for them, both were stand-up guys that deserved better treatment.
You want a linebacker who gives to charity or one who makes plays? Cut the bs, the majority of you aren’t even effected by a player’s charities give me a break with this “oh but he gives to charity” stupidity!
Well “Ugly” I guess you’re happy Draft’s character wasn’t enough to save him. I hated to see him go but I do remember one game where he had to go out because of asthma, that could be a real draw back. We also need a linebacker who doesn’t need performance enhancing substances.
Here is a trade deadline thought. Let’s trade Steven Jackson and our #1 pick in 2010 to San Diego for LaDainian Thomlinson and Shawne Merriman. Everyone knows that LT is over the hill in SD and Merriman wants out. Steven Jackson is still not liked even though he is producing on an horrible offensive unit. And the only player that the current player personnel staff that is doing anything is Baby Roadwarrior. He is a player!!! LT and SM would give Spags the play makers on each side of the ball that he needs. Just thought I would throw this out there so people can rip it apart. Have fun!!