Rams unable to reach Rodger Saffold about position change

The St. Louis Rams believe Rodger Saffold will eventually be OK with a move from left to right tackle.

But no one can reach him at this point.

The Rams signed Jake Long to $34 million, four-year contract that will guarantee him $16 million provided he remains healthy through the first season. Long was signed to play left tackle, a move that pushes Saffold to the right side.

But as Jim Thomas of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports, no one can reach Saffold at this point, and it has been nearly two weeks.

Things are gonna work out,” St. Louis coach Jeff Fisher said. “We’re confident they’ll get resolved.”
“We’ve been trying to reach Rodger, and he’s not returning calls right now. But we’ll get things settled, and Rodger’s a big part of our future and a big part of our plans on offense.”

According to Thomas, Saffold’s agent Alan Herman let it be known before the addition of Long that Saffold would not be thrilled moving positions. It doesn’t mean he’s requested a trade or anything.

“No. It’s just been quiet,” Fisher said. “And we’re trying to reach Rodger just like we’re trying to reach all of our other players. We stay in touch with our players. Maybe he’s traveling and is on his way back.”

Saffold’s contract expires at the end of this season, so he has a year to boost his value for the open market. Obviously, he could maximize his value playing on the left side. The guess here is the Rams will be able to reach him soon. The club’s (voluntary) offseason program commences April 15.

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Brad Biggs covers the Bears for the Chicago Tribune

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