The NFL’s free agency and trading period begins today and players from both the Rams and Chiefs will be testing the market. The most notable unrestricted free agent for the Rams is defensive end Grant Wistrom. His future in St. Louis became murky on Tuesday when the team signed Adam Timmerman to a five-year deal. It was believed that St. Louis would re-sign either Timmerman or Wistrom because of salary cap issues. Wistrom may be headed to the Chiefs, according to some reports. Defensive tackle Bryan Young is also expected to sign with another team. Orlando Pace is a free agent, but the team has tagged him as their franchise player, which means if they don’t sign him to a long-term deal, he will get $7-million in 2004. Quarterback marc Bulger, tight end Brandon Manumaleuna, defensive end Bryce Fisher and cornerback Jerametrius Butler are restricted free agents, which means the Rams have the right to match any offer they get. Only one starter for the Chiefs is an unrestricted free agent and that’s defensive end Eric Hicks. Tight end Jason Dunn is also unrestricted and has declined the Chiefs latest offer. Other unrestricted free agents include cornerback William Bartee, quarterback Jonathan Quinn and safety Lyle West. Offensive tackle John Tait has been designated as the team’s transitional player, which means he can seek a better deal and the Chiefs can match that deal, but will owe him a minimum of $6-million in 2004 if he plays in Kansas City.
