The St. Louis Rams signed defensive end Chris Long to a four-year extension for "huge" money, but it appears they are not done locking up the core of their defense just yet. The Rams are now discussing the framework of a contract extension with 25-year-old linebacker and former 2009 second-round pick (No. 35 overall), James Laurinaitis. Jim Thomas of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports that "talks are under way between the Rams and Laurinaitis' St. Louis-based agent, Tom Condon of CAA."
Laurinaitis has played three seasons with the Rams and has started every game of his three-year NFL career (48 total starts). The former Ohio State star isn't worried about timing when it comes to inking a long-term extension, but it sounds like it's something he wants to happen (quotes via the St. Louis Post-Dispatch):
"Tom [Condon] mentioned that they're talking, but I don't follow that stuff," Laurinaitis said. "I really try not to focus on that. I just go and play football and if anything happens, Tom will let me know."
"Yeah absolutely [I would like to stay]. This is the team that drafted me. And you've got to let the whole process play out. That's why I hired Tom and Ben (Dogra) to take care of that stuff. I think they're pretty good, so we'll see what they come up with."
Head coach Jeff Fisher noted that Laurinaitis is "the kind of guy you want at your middle linebacker position," because he's "dedicated" and "intelligent."
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