Rams signed FB Mike Karney for 3 Years

According to ESPN.com's Jonathan Clayton, the St. Louis Rams finally have a full backfield after reaching a three-year contract agreement with fullback Mike Karney.

Karney agreed to a three-year, $3.6 million contract that includes $1.2 million in guarantees, according to a source. The Rams have been struggling at that position since they released Madison Hedgecock in 2007. Hedgecock ended up becoming a Pro Bowl alternate for the New York Giants last season.

The signing of Karney gives St. Louis a chance to be more successful in two-back formations. The 27-year-old Karney was named to the All-Pro team in 2006 when he played for the New Orleans Saints. The Saints released him on March 5, putting one of the league's more respected fullbacks on the market. The Rams were quick to have him in for a visit.

The 5-foot-11, 258-pound Karney had 46 career starts in five seasons with the Saints. Karney will be the blocking back for Rams halfback Steven Jackson.

Opinion: FINALLY! a good fullback to compliment Steven Jackson

SS James Butler signs with Rams; FB Mike Karney to Visit

League sources confirmed Monday night that the Rams and free-agent strong safetyJames Butler have agreed to contract terms. An announcement out of Rams Park is expected Tuesday. Butler, who spent the previous four seasons with the New York Giants, reportedly will get a four-year deal that, with incentives, could net him $17 million. Butler, 6 feet 3 and 215 pounds, is 27. 

In another news, Free-agent fullback Mike Karney and Rams officials will meet Tuesday at Rams Park. The team is looking for a lead-blocking fullback, and the 5-foot-11, 255-pound Karney, released by the Saints on Thursday, could fill the bill.

Karney, 27, is an Arizona State product who has spent all five of his NFL seasons in New Orleans. The Rams also had shown interest in former New England fullback Heath Evans, but he signed with the Saints last week.

Opinion: Rams should go with Brock Berlin as #2 QB

There were reports that the Rams are planning to sign veteran quarterback Gus Frerotte back after the releasing Trent Green, well for me this move is PREPOSTEROUS. They are gonna replace an old veteran with a much older veteran.

The Rams should think of giving Brock Berlin a chance to prove himself and draft another QB in the late rounds for QB #3.

---

Meanwhile the hunt for Steven Jackson's lead blocker has suffered a minor setback as fullback Heath Evans signed with the New Orleans Saints. The Saints also released FB Mike Karney to make room for Evans. In my opinion the Rams should pickup Karney because he's a proven solid lead blocker and average receiver out of the backfield which can be very beneficial.