2012 NFL Free Agents: C Scott Wells to Visit St. Louis Rams

The St. Louis Rams are navigating through the middle of an offensive line makeover, and one potential piece to the Rams' puzzle up front is in St. Louis today for a visit.

According to ESPN's John Clayton, free-agent center Scott Wells is talking with the Rams Thursday afternoon. The 31-year-old center had previously visited with the Tennessee Titans at the start of the free-agency period.

The Rams' need for a center became strikingly obvious during the 2011 season, as incumbent stater Jason Brown was benched in early November after a string of poor performances.

St. Louis then cut Brown on Monday, which saved almost $3 million in cap room and opened a hole at center for the Rams to fill either through free agency or the draft. Tony Wragge, who overtook Brown on the depth chart last season, is far from a long-term option at the position.

Wells ranks near the top of available centers in free agency.

According to Pro Football Focus, Wells has ranked in the top 8 at the position for two straight seasons. Only Jeff Saturday, Chris Meyers and Nick Mangold can claim that same continued excellence over the same time span.

2011 was arguably Wells' best season of his career. In over 1,000 offensive snaps for the Packers, Wells allowed just two sacks, one quarterback hit and six pressures. He also was named to the NFC Pro Bowl roster for the first time in his career.

Considering the Rams' combination of Brown and Wragge both ranked in the mid-to-late 20's among NFL centers, signing Wells and plugging him in as the anchor of the Rams' offensive line would be a huge upgrade.

Wells may be looking for a contract in the range of $7-8 million, but it's possible he didn't receive that kind of offer from the Titans, who appeared to be in the driver's seat to sign the former Tennessee Volunteer. The Green Bay Packers may also get back into the running if the market lowers Wells' expectations on a contract.