Justin Cole not tendered

When the Rams released Wayne Hunter, they also announced they would not tender restricted free agent linebacker Justin Cole, making him an unrestricted free agent. The lack of interest in the 25-year-old Cole comes as a bit of a surprise, as he looked like one of the Rams' more valuable special teams players by the end of last season, an ace on kickoff coverage.

The Rams' other RFA is Darian Stewart, also a valuable special teams player, and a possible starting safety this coming opening day. No word yet on retaining him, or any of the Rams' exclusive rights FAs - OL Tim Barnes, LB Sammy Brown, DT Jermelle Cudjo and TE Mike McNeill. Cudjo showed a little juice as a run defender last year and is probably the most valuable player of the four.

Update: tender offers were made to Barnes and McNeill as of March 9th.

-$-