Danny Amendola is expected to reach the open market before a deal is possibly done with the St. Louis Rams.

That means that the shifty slot wide receiver could also exit via free agency as he and the team have yet to find any common ground on a long-term contract. Ian Rapoport of NFL.com reports that Amendola will see if he can do better than what the team has in mind once free agency opens March 12.

The Rams previously let it be known they will not place the franchise tag, at a price tag of more than $10 million, on Amendola. That makes sense. He’s been extremely productive when healthy, posting 63 receptions for 666 yards and three touchdowns last season. It’s important to note his value to the Rams is probably escalated because the team is so thin at the receiver position.

Amendola missed five games this past season and was out for 15 games in 2011 after he suffered a broken arm and then was re-injured in practice. So, durability is a legitimate concern.

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Brad Biggs covers the Bears for the Chicago Tribune