The Rams added another veteran presence to their defensive line Thursday as they signed former Buccaneers and Vikings defensive tackle Chris Hovan, the team announced.
Hovan, 32, enters his 11th NFL season in 2010 and has 149 career starts in 156 games played. He spent the last five years with Tampa Bay where he led all Buccaneers defensive linemen in tackles three times and finished second among his position group twice. In 2009, Hovan started all 16 games and recorded 57 tackles (27 solo), a half sack and 18 quarterback pressures. In his first season in Tampa Bay (2005), Hovan helped the Bucs lead the NFL in total defense (277.8 yards per game allowed).
Hovan (6-2, 296) joined the Buccaneers after five seasons with the Minnesota Vikings. He was drafted in the first round (25th overall) in 2000 and was a consensus All-Rookie pick following his initial NFL season. While in Minnesota, Hovan started 69 consecutive games at one point and was named Second-Team All-Pro by the Associated Press in 2002. His career totals include 606 tackles (357 solo), 22.0 sacks, four forced fumbles and seven fumble recoveries.
