The St. Louis Rams keep getting richer on the defensive line after reportedly signing former Detroit Lions defensive tackle Nick Fairley to a one-year deal. The contract is worth $5 million, but he could add an additional $2.5 million with incentives according to NFL Network reporter Ian Rapoport.
Fairley’s new contract could be best described as a “prove-it” agreement, which is oddly appropriate for the “Show-Me” state. Fairley was drafted 13th overall in 2011 NFL Draft by the Detroit Lions, and he really hasn’t had the opportunity to showcase his talents due to injuries. The former Auburn Tiger has only participated in 46 of the 64 possible games and started just 30 of them.
Fairley has shown flashes of greatness when healthy. In four seasons in Detroit, he recorded 66 tackles, 13.5 sacks, five forced fumbles, three fumble recoveries and two pass deflections.
The Rams are stacked with talent on the defensive line and adding Fairley just seems unfair. St. Louis did lose the services of veteran defensive tackle Kendall Langford after being cut to free up cap space. Fairley will likely take Langford’s role.
Source: CBSsports.com, Pro-sports-reference.com
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