Not Many Teams Interested in Torry Holt

When the Cowboys released Terrell Owens, teams around the league couldn't issue their "Yeah, we'll pass on pursuing T.O." statements fast enough. Obviously, the Bills weren't one of those teams, but the speed at which other organizations expressed their lack of interest was dizzying, and proof that maybe Owens' talent was no longer enough to overcome his behavior in the eyes of most NFL front offices.

Except that such a line of reasoning doesn't explain why virtually the same thing is happening to Torry Holt, released Friday by the Rams. The 32-year-old, seven-time Pro Bowler continues to play at a high level, but St. Louis, a team with five victories in two seasons and now in rebuilding mode, cleared salary cap space by dropping Holt (as well as left tackle Orlando Pace). It happens; the NFL is a business, after all.

Although Holt has only been a free agent for barely a day, the Giants, Jets, Vikings and Panthers aren't in the running for his services (or at least that's the story they're concurrently spinning) -- and Holt is the anti-T.O. in that he's a swell teammate and actually quite proficient in catching the football. Maybe teams are wary about signing a 30-something player on the downside of a great career, or maybe Holt's contract demands are mental. Whatever, it's peculiar.

According to the National Football Post, the Rams were close to trading Holt before the deal fell through.

The Titans were on the verge of completing a trade for ... Holt [Thursday], sources close to the situation informed [NFP]. The NFP has also learned that the deal between the Titans and Rams fell through because Holt refused to restructure his current contract. Holt's refusal not only caused the potential trade to fall apart, but also led to his release from the St. Louis Rams earlier today.

The Titans -- like the Giants, Jets, Vikings and Panthers -- seem like a logical fit, but apparently Holt didn't want to take a pay cut. And similar to Samari Rolle, who will likely be released on Monday because he wouldn't restructure his current contract, there's no guarantee Holt finds a team to pay him what he thinks he's worth.

That's not to say he's not worth it, just that cap restrictions, the risk associated with signing an older player and the go-to excuse in this day and age -- the economy -- all play a part. Still, assuming he's willing to make concessions, I'm sure Holt will find work in short order. And I'd think the Cowboys would be a potential suitor except that Jerry Jones appears quite content with his current stable of wide receivers.

Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)

3-14-2009 @ 4:44PM

Jim said...

Da Bears need rceivers in a major way. He should give Jerry Angelo a call since Agelo is to lazy or stupid to call anybody with a job offer. If they had some decent wide-outs their no.1 receiver wouldn't be a tight-end.

CJ said...

I wonder if this means the Titans are still interested in him. If no one is that interested, he may not have a choice but to take the reduced pay if Titans offer is still on the table. It'll screw the Rams out of gaining something for him that the trade would've compensated the Rams for him, but if there are alot of teams not interested, he has no other options but the Titans. I dont know if he's that great to be on my Titans team if no one wants him, i'd rather have Hakeem Hicks out of North Carolina, maybe the Titans would'pick him up first round in the draft.

3-15-2009 @ 12:26PM

charles said...

I would like to see torry holt in a titans jersey. it would be a compliment to there run heavy offense

3-15-2009 @ 12:53PM

HEADHAWG said...

Hey Ravens,Flaco needs a target,just saying....

3-15-2009 @ 4:39PM

Justin said...

If the Steelers were interested in Galloway, wouldn't they be also in the market for Holt?

3-15-2009 @ 9:50PM

NachoD said...

If Donovan McNabb doesn't talk the Eagles brass into picking up Holt to give him the weapon he has been looking for then he may as well pack up and come to the Rams. If the Eagles don't start making moves soon McNabb might become the Jay Cutler of the NFC East. We could sure use his escapability in St Louis.

3-20-2009 @ 3:43AM

tdhbob said...

Maybe the Rams should pick up Ty Law and Lawyer Malloy off FA. They pretty much kicked our fanny in the Super Bowl when they were with the Pats. Just a thought.

3-22-2009 @ 5:19AM

rebelma65 said...

I hate to see Holt leaving the Rams and whoever does pick him up will benefit greatly. Thanks Torry for all your years with the Rams.

4-01-2009 @ 11:29AM

This blog has not changed for at least two weeks. That says the Rams are sitting out free agency. How stupid. You have quality, veteran defensive players out there who will be picked up. What the heck did you clear all that cap money for if you weren't intending to improve your team. Bly, Brooks, Berry, and even Thomas can give the Rams depth at key defensive positions. Booker, Losman, Garcia, and Leftwich could provide needed depth on the offense. We know there will be a top OT on the boards when we pick unless the Rams decide to piss it away again and not build the line. What are you waiting for? Every day another quality defensive player is gone. Dre Bly and Dexter McLeon left the Rams and each led their respective Conferences in interceptions the next year. Bly has years left. You know Tye Hill will get hurt this year because Tye Hill always gets hurt. Give him his money and let him retire. Butler, Atogwe, and Bartell can't save Hill from himself. He is a bust. Go get someone with some heart and willingness to play in the NFL. I'm tired of losing. WE were supposed to be the team of the 2000s. We started strong. Why not finish strong. Spags can get it done if the front office will stop being so damn cheap.