St. Louis signs Titans' guard Bell

Tuesday, March 4, 2008
ST. LOUIS -- The St. Louis Rams filled a pressing offseason need Monday night, signing free agent guard Jacob Bell to a six-year contract.

The 6-foot-4, 295-pound Bell played for the Titans the last four seasons after being a fourth-round draft pick of the Titans in 2004. He has started 31 games the last two seasons, settling in at left guard last season, and has made 46 career starts and played in 55 games in four seasons.

The Rams finished the year with three offensive line starters on injured reserve, a major reason for the team's offensive struggles in a 3-13 season.

The Rams totaled 263 points, the franchise's lowest total since 1993, and quarterback Marc Bulger was sidelined twice for two games each with broken ribs and a concussion.

St. Louis turned its attention to Bell after losing out in the bidding for former Steelers guard Alan Faneca, who got a five-year, $40 million contract with the Jets. Bell, who turned 27 on Sunday, was signed after making a visit to St. Louis earlier in the day.

Seven-time Pro Bowl tackle Orlando Pace was lost for the season with a torn labrum and torn rotator cuff sustained in the season opener, and guards Mark Setterstrom and Richie Incognito were sidelined with knee injuries.

--AP