Rams still hope to re-sign Bruce

ST. LOUIS -- St. Louis Rams wide receiver Isaac Bruce is a free agent for the first time in his career after the team released him following failed contract negotiations.

The team cut their longest-tenured player Sunday night after talks broke down on a restructured deal. The sides weren't talking Monday but the Rams remained hopeful Monday of getting an agreement that would bring Bruce back for a 13th season.

Coach Scott Linehan termed the release a "temporary setback." He blamed the lack of a collective bargaining agreement for the move.

"This CBA deal has kind of put things a little bit out of whack," Linehan said. "I feel very positive about resuming talks and getting that uniform back on our guy.

"We'll do whatever we can to make that happen."

The 33-year-old Bruce had a salary cap figure of $10 million for next season. He had been due to receive a $1.5 million roster bonus Monday, the first day of the free agency period, as part of an $8.1 million salary.

That was the final year of a seven-year, $42 million contract he signed in 2000.

Bruce has been with the team since 1994, the year before it moved to the Midwest, and has been to four Pro Bowls.

Bruce is the Rams' career leader in receptions (813), receiving yards (12,278) and receiving touchdowns (77). He also caught the game-winning touchdown pass in the Rams' lone Super Bowl victory after the 2000 season.

His receiving yardage is 12th best in NFL history.

-- AP