NFL Free Agency: St. Louis Rams Sign OLB Ben Leber

The Rams have agreed to a one-year contract worth $1.25 million with ex-Vikings linebacker Ben Leber. 

Ben Leber is 32 years old and spent his first four seasons in San Diego and his last five in Minnesota. He is a veteran player that adds depth to the Rams linebacker rotation.

Leber's numbers have been on the decline in recent seasons. His tackles have dropped from 67 to 64 to 46. His numbers don't tell the whole story though.

Despite not making more tackles, Leber has been a very consistent leader for the Vikings. The Rams are also getting a guy that, despite his age, is still able to play every game year in and year out. Leber has played less than 16 games only twice in his nine year career.

The addition of Ben Leber, Zac Diles and Brady Poppinga really helps improve their linebacking core from a season ago. James Laurinaitis has been a consistent force in the middle, but the outside slots around him have been a revolving door. If any of these three free agent signings end up showing more than we expect, then the Rams have to feel like winners coming out of free agency.

Rams fans really have something to watch for in the upcoming preseason games now. The main competition outside of the linebacker position had been defensive tackle, but now there are three veteran players that will be competing for two slots. Let's not overlook David Vobora and Chris Chamberlain just yet though. If they show good improvement, than everybody comes out of it a winner.

Getting a guy like Ben Leber, who is a very consistent veteran, at this point in the offseason appears to be a win for the Rams. If Leber doesn't pan out, however, it won't be a major problem because only $150,000 of his contract is guaranteed.