Friday, March 16, 2012

Rams Sign Pro Bowl Center Scott Wells

Quarterback Aaron Rodgers and the Green Bay Packers offense lit up the NFL after leading the league in scoring with 560 total points.


And while most are familiar with the contributions of Rodgers and his offensive weapons, it's easy to overlook the men up front on the offensive line, including the man who snapped Rodgers the ball on every play during every game in 2011.


Center Scott Wells started all 16 games for the Packers last season and was a vital part of an offensive line that produced one of the top offenses in the league. And as a result, Wells was elected to his first Pro Bowl.


On top of that, Wells also started all 16 games during the Packers' 2010 Super Bowl winning season, and he has started 100 total regular games throughout his eight NFL seasons.


He has been a Packer for his entire career, but next season he'll be wearing the horns on his helmet and snapping the ball to quarterback Sam Bradford.


As of Friday evening, the St. Louis Rams agreed to terms with Wells. The signing was confirmed by ESPN insider Adam Schefter.


Although the exact details have not been confirmed, it's been estimated that Wells will make approximately $6 million to $7 million a year.


The Rams had a need for a center ever since cutting Jason Brown earlier in the week. Brown was due $5 million in base salary in 2012, which is likely far too lopsided for a player who has generally underperformed ever since being signed in free agency in 2009.


Not only will Wells be an upgrade over Brown, even at the age of 31, but he'll also provide third-year passer Sam Bradford with invaluable insight that can only be gained after years of snapping the ball to great quarterbacks such as Rodgers and Brett Favre.


Wells will not only benefit Bradford, but his veteran presence will provide the younger linemen, such as Rodger Saffold and Jason Smith, with the proper leadership necessary for them to succeed.


Wells is only the Rams second signing since the the beginning of free agency on Tuesday (the other was cornerback Cortland Finnegan), but regardless of their slow activity, they are making their dollars count with yet another solid acquisition.

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