The St. Louis Rams made it official today.  They have signed free agent safety James Butler, as we reported yesterday.  The Rams also add fullback Mike 
Karney who played with the Saints last year. 

"It is always good when you get an opportunity to obtain a player that you are familiar with," said Head Coach Steve Spagnuolo who coached Butler as defensive coordinator of the New York Giants from 2007-08.  "James has an understanding of our defensive system and will be a valuable addition to our team." 

Butler, 26, spent the last four seasons with the Giants after entering the NFL as an undrafted rookie free agent with the team in 2005. Butler, 6-3 and 215 pounds, played in 15 games with a career-high 14 starts in 2008.  

Karney spent his entire NFL career with New Orleans, after being drafted by the club in the fifth round (156 th overall) of the 2004 NFL Draft.  He has played in 75 games, starting 46.  

Karney, 5-11, 255, experienced his best statistical season in 2006, where he set career highs in rushes (11), rushing yards (33), receptions (15) and receiving yards (96).  Last season, he tied a career-high for touchdowns in a season (two).