The Rams have designated offensive tackle Orlando Pace as their franchise player. This means they must offer the free agent a one-year deal worth the average salary of the top five players at his position, which is $5.73-million. If Pace signs with another team, St. Louis will get two first round draft picks from that club. The franchise designation comes after a round of contract negotiations. What Pace wants and what the Rams are willing to offer are apparently not close. Pace’s agent has reportedly asked for a $20-million signing bonus, which would be $8.5 million more than any signing bonus the team has ever offered.
