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Los Angeles Rams Release DE Long, LB Laurinaitis and TE Cook

By Michael Smith

Sep 13, 2015; St. Louis, MO, USA; St. Louis Rams defensive end Chris Long (91) runs onto the field prior to the game against the Seattle Seahawks the Edward Jones Dome. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 13, 2015; St. Louis, MO, USA; St. Louis Rams defensive end Chris Long (91) runs onto the field prior to the game against the Seattle Seahawks the Edward Jones Dome. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Los Angeles Rams made a big move Friday in freeing up some much needed money for re-signings and in preparation of free agency.

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Broken first by NFL Network’s Albert Breer, veteran players James Laurinaitis, Chris Long and Jared Cook were all released from their contracts freeing up a whopping $24.375 million in cap space for 2016.

In a statement by Rams Head Coach Jeff Fisher, he said, “This is the time of year when all NFL teams are faced with difficult decisions regarding their veteran players,” he continues, “Chris and James are the epitome of what it means to be a pro in this league and it’s been an honor to coach them both. They’ve been pillars of our defense for many years and not enough can be said of their love for the game and for their teammates. Beyond the field, they took pride in mentoring the younger players and doing their part to make a real difference in the St. Louis community. We will always be grateful for James and Chris’ unselfish commitment to the Rams and wish them the best moving forward.”

Last month, Long mentioned being open to restructuring his contract to remain with the team, though it’s unclear if their had been any such discussion with the front office. After recording 50.5 sacks in his first six seasons with the Rams, Long, a former second overall draft pick, spent the last two fighting to stay on the field and tallied a measly four in that span.

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Long responded to the news tweeting out the following Instagram post:

Laurinaitis on the other hand, never missed a game and just last year became the Rams all-time leading tackler.

Fox announcer and St. Louis native Joe Buck tweeted out in response to the news of Laurinaitis and Long being released:

The third player released, tight end Jared Cook, was a free agent signing in 2013, and while Fisher credited him with making an “immediate impact” setting the record for most receiving yards by a tight end during his first year with the club in 2013, he was considered a general disappointment, never living up to the potential he was believed to have in St. Louis.

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As mentioned, that cuts free up $24.375 million in cap space while leaving just $4.7 million in dead money. The team now has an estimated $59 million in cap space available to re-sign priority free agents and to prepare for the free agency period.

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