EARTH CITY, Mo. -- From the moment the Los Angeles Rams released defensive end Chris Long and linebacker James Laurinaitis and placed the franchise tag on cornerback Trumaine Johnson, their primary free-agent priorities became clear: Do what it takes to retain end William Hayes and linebacker Mark Barron.
While Wednesday's flurry of free-agent activity brought about big losses in cornerback Janoris Jenkins (to the New York Giants) and safety Rodney McLeod (to the Philadelphia Eagles), all was not lost as the Rams were able to strike last-minute deals with Hayes and Barron.