LA Rams cut LB James Laurinaitis, DE Chris Long, TE Jared Cook

The Rams got an earlier start than expected to free agency, and it came at the expense of three popular veteran players.

The Rams released linebacker James Laurinaitis, defensive end Chris Long and tight end Jared Cook, the team aounced Friday.

“This is the time of year when all NFL teams are faced with difficult decisions regarding their veteran players,” Rams coach Jeff Fisher said. “Chris and James are the epitome of what it means to be a pro in this league and it’s been an honor to coach them both. They’ve been the pillars of our defense for many years and not enough can be said of their love for the game and for their teammates. Beyond the field, they took pride in mentoring the younger players and doing their part to make a real difference in the St. Louis community. We will always be grateful for James and Chris’ unselfish commitment to the Rams and wish them the best moving forward.

“Jared made an immediate impact when he joined the team in 2013. It’s been a pleasure watching him grow from the time I drafted him in Teessee to seeing him set franchise records in St. Louis. Like Chris and James, he’s been a mainstay in the community and his contributions are commendable. We hope for the best for Jared and his family as he embarks on the next steps of his career.”

Laurinaitis, who last season surpassed Hall of Famer Merlin Olsen to become the all-time leading tackler in franchise history, was selected by the Rams in the second round of the 2009 NFL Draft. The former Ohio State star led the team in tackles in his first four seasons and reached the 100-tackle mark in each of his seven seasons in the league.

Long was drafted second overall by the Rams in 2008 out of the University of Virginia. He started 95 of 114 games and recorded more than 300 tackles and 54.5 sacks. He led the team in sacks in 2011 and 2012, and recorded double-digit totals in both seasons.

Cook joined the Rams as a free agent after 2013 after spending the previous four seasons with the Teessee Titans. In his first season with the Rams, he set franchise records for most receiving yards by a tight end in a season (671) and a game (141 vs. Arizona). As a Ram, he recorded 142 receptions for 1,786 yards and eight touchdowns.

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