The St. Louis Rams announced today that they have signed former Tampa Bay and Minnesota defensive tackle Chris Hovan.

The 32-year-old Hovan enters his 11th NFL season in 2010 with 149 career starts in 156 games played.

 In 2009, his fifth season as a Buccaneer, Hovan started all 16 games and recorded 57 tackles (27 solo), a half sack  stand 18 quarterback pressures.  Hovan joined Tampa Bay after five standout seasons with the Minnesota Vikings.

His career totals include 606 tackles (357 solo), 22.0 sacks, four forced fumbles and seven fumble recoveries.

Rams head coach Steve Spagnuolo is envisioning him as a positive influence in the locker room as well as on the field.

"A veteran guy. We've heard a lot of things about him. We've got some guys in the building that have seen Chris operate and work. It's as much as in the locker room as it is as a football player. He's played a lot of football. He's a tough nut and that's what we hope to get out of him."