Because of some post-June 1 salary cap rules, safety O.J. Atogwe, formerly of the Rams, is an unrestricted free agent. The Rams would've had to pay Atogwe nearly $7 million if they chose to re-issue his tender, a decision they were required to make on June 1.
Free Agent O.J. Atogwe Drawing Interest From A Few Teams
Ultimately they chose not to, letting him hit the open market. The Rams were talking to him about a long-term contract right up to the midnight deadline but nothing could get done and so now here we sit on June 1 with one of the top safeties on the open market.
However, less than 24 hours onto the open market and we can start crossing off names. The Cowboys don't appear to be interested. The Eagles aren't in the Atogwe game with Nate Allen on board. Same goes for the 49ers and Lions.
ESPN’s Adam Schefter reports it’s likely coming down to the Dolphins, Vikings and Rams. However, the Dolphins beat writers are calling Atogwe a “long shot”. The Vikings are a darkhorse considering their name popped up just in the last couple of days.
SB Nation’s Turf Show Times is beginning to feel that a return to St. Louis is unlikely for Atogwe.
Atogwe didn’t get any nibbles when the Rams left him dangling on the first-right-of-refusal line through the free agency period. Potential suitors are falling away. That doesn’t mean that one won’t emerge; it just means some of the most obvious ones aren’t interested. I remain skeptical of the Rams chances to resign him.
In his career, Atogwe has 19 interceptions and 14 career fumbles which are big numbers. He’s 29 years old and coming off a season that was ended on IR so some teams will be weary of that.
At this point, Atogwe has no reported visits scheduled.
Be sure to follow SB Nation’s Turf Show Times who is tracking the former Rams’ next move.
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