You can strike another name from PFT’s list of the top available free agents.
Nick Fairley, who has the No. 14 spot on the list, has agreed to a contract with the Rams. The team made the announcement at a press conference on Friday that was scheduled to formally introduce quarterback Nick Foles after acquiring him in a trade earlier this week.
Fairley missed the second half of the Lions season and their playoff loss to the Cowboys after suffering a knee injury, but was playing well before he was injured. Fairley played in 46 games for the Lions after they selected him in the first round of the 2011 draft as injuries have been an issue throughout his career. Conditioning was also a problem for Fairley at times in Detroit.
Fairley will join Aaron Donald and Michael Brockers to form a strong trio at defensive tackle in St. Louis. Ian Rapoport of NFL Media reports that it is a one-year deal with a $5 million base and $2.5 million more available in incentives. Should Fairley stay healthy, fit and productive, he’ll be set up for another shot at a longer deal next year.
Fairley paid a visit to the Bengals before going to St. Louis and never seemed to be in play for a return to the Lions, who traded for Haloti Ngata while losing Fairley and Ndamukong Suh at defensive tackle.
