Pace gets seven-year offer from Texans

The Rams must match the offer to keep the All-Pro offensive lineman.

The Associated Press

ST. LOUIS -- Offered a contract by the Houston Texans, Rams offensive tackle Orlando Pace says "the ball is really in St. Louis' court" in deciding whether to retain the veteran lineman.

Pace, during a visit Monday with Texans officials, told the Houston Chronicle that negotiations with the Rams are "at a standstill" -- what he called typical in recent years, when St. Louis has placed the franchise tag on him.

"I don't know if things are going to be resolved," Pace told the newspaper.

The Rams have until 3 p.m. today to sign Pace to a multiyear contract offer. At that point, a four-month negotiating blackout begins for the Rams and Pace, meaning another spring without Pace attending the team's offseason conditioning program, minicamps and training camp for the third year in a row.

Rams spokesman Duane Lewis declined comment on the matter Tuesday.

The St. Louis Post-Dispatch reported that talks between Pace and the Rams are at a standstill largely because the Rams' latest offer -- a revised proposal to Pace's agents Monday -- doesn't match Walter Jones' contract in guaranteed money and money paid out in the deal's first three years.

Jones, the Seattle offensive tackle, re-signed with the Seahawks before the start of the free agency period, agreeing to a seven-year, $52.5 million contract that included a $16 million signing bonus. The Post-Dispatch said the Rams' latest offer to Pace is believed to be $51 million with a $15 million signing bonus.

"I would love to go somewhere and have that security, and have that long-term future with a team and an organization," Pace told the Houston newspaper.

Under franchise player guidelines, Pace would have to get an offer sheet from the Texans. The Rams then would have a week to decide if they want to match the offer from Houston. If they match, Pace would come to the Rams under the contract terms negotiated with Pace and the Texans. If the Rams opt otherwise, they would get two first-round draft picks from Houston -- one this year, the other next. Houston has the 13th overall pick in this year's draft.

Still, the Rams, Texans and Pace can bypass the entire offer sheet process if the Rams decide to accept a compensation package other than the two first-round draft picks.