It was solidified at the Feb. 19 deadline for NFL teams to franchise players when the Rams put the $6.342 million tag on free safety Oshiomogho Atogwe, a move that limits his options on the free-agent market.

Atogwe has proved himself to be a playmaker over the last two seasons, whether it be with interceptions or forced fumbles. The Rams will now step up their efforts to sign Atogwe to a more cap-friendly multi-year deal, while also trying to get cornerback Ron Bartell signed. Bartell will become an unrestricted free agent Feb. 27 if no new deal is reached.

Near the end of the 2008 season, Atogwe talked about his contract expiring. "St. Louis has treated me well, giving me the opportunity to play and I am always going to be appreciative of that," he said. "Whatever happens, that is in God's hands and I am not really fretting over it. I feel like I am going to be where I'm supposed to be this next year."

He also said, "I love playing with the guys. I would love to come back and play with them if the situation presents itself in the right light. It's definitely not anything I am ruling out."

Now, it looks like he won't have much choice.

Meanwhile, Chavous asked for his early release so he would reach the market before free agency starts. However, he also realizes there might not be early interest in a 33-year-old veteran.

"I'll just wait and see what interest there is," he said.

Chavous' leadership and work ethic helped the development of younger players like Atogwe and Bartell. He was also voted the team's Carl Ekern Spirit Award two consecutive seasons.

Said general manager Billy Devaney, "When it became clear to us that we were going to move in a different direction, we thought out of respect for Corey, and to give him the best chance to explore all his options, that this was the best time to make this move. Corey Chavous epitomizes everything that's good about the NFL. He's classy, smart, hard-working. He gave it his all. The team always came first."