Eric Weddle Returns Home Signs With Rams

WorldWide Rams

Ed "Pi Double i" Henderson

The Los Angeles Rams have added a seasoned polish veteran to roam their defensive backfield to their roster. The Rams announced that they had signed veteran free-safety Eric Weddle to the team. Weddle, the hometown kid from Alta Loma, returns home after playing 12 seasons in the AFC, nine with San Diego Chargers and three with the Baltimore Ravens.

Weddle, the second round draft selection of the Chargers in 2007, was a consensus All-American and the Mountain West Defensive Player of the Year at corner. The sixth time Pro Bowler (2011, 2013-14, 2016-18), and one-time interceptions leader in 2011 will provide better depth at the free safety position a position played by LaMarcus Joyner the last couple of seasons. Joyner played well his first season at the position, but after receiving the franchise tag in 2018 of $11M, Joyner seemed to play less as hard with the big contract.

Before Weddle signed with the Rams, the Atlanta Falcons and Seattle Seahawks targeted Weddle. Weddle commented that he did not like the Seahawks defense as it was too basic. He signed with the Rams not that he is the hometown kid, but that he loved the defensive schemes of Wade Phillips that rely on his man coverage ability.

The Rams land a massive upgrade at the safety position with Weddle who will roam around with John Johnson. Pro Football Focus ranked Johnson 7th at his position (83.7) and Weddle at 10th positional rank (80.7) amongst the safeties at their position. 

Weddle signed a two year $10.502M contract with the Rams with a $1M signing bonus and $6.251M guaranteed carrying a $5.751M cap hit.

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