US: Michael Sam now a free agent after Rams cut
Michael Sam has failed to be signed by another NFL team, following his cut by the St Louis Rams.
Sam, who made history in May as the first out player to be drafted by an NFL team, was let go by the Rams on Saturday, as they reduced their roster from 75 to 53 players.
The 24-year-old player had performed well in recent preseason matches, but was released in the team’s final round of cuts, with the final spot in the team’s defensive lineup taken by fellow rookie Ethan Westbrooks.
the NFL’s waivers period – during which he was eligible to be picked up by any other team – has now passed, with no team have signed him.
He is now free agent, meaning he will miss out on a spot on an NFL roster this year.
However, he could still be signed to a team’s 10-man practice squad, which would allow him to train and develop further.
It is also possible he could return to the practice squad of the Rams, though commentators have claimed that this is unlikely.
In a brief statement yesterday, Sam said: “I want to thank the entire Rams organization and the city of St. Louis for giving me this tremendous opportunity and allowing me to show I can play at this level.
“I look forward to continuing to build on the progress I made here toward a long and successful career.
“The most worthwhile things in life rarely come easy, this is a lesson I’ve always known. The journey continues.”
Despite the coach previously claiming that Sam was “doing well” with the team, a planned Oprah documentary about his life was shelved to allow him to focus on his playing career, with sources at the time claiming the Rams had vetoed it.
Though he has been cut by the Rams, it is possible Sam will be picked up by one of the other 31 NFL teams – which his contract states must happen within 48 hours – or he may join the Rams’ 10-man practice squad.
