In recent days there has been more news to cover around the Los Angeles Rams. The team made some more roster moves and fired several of their scouts only weeks before the NFL Draft. The 2017 preseason schedule was also released, so we can take a look at who the Rams will be playing. Lastly, former Ram James Laurinaitis has called it a career and retired.

More roster moves

Los Angeles Rams defensive lineman Ethan Westbrooks signed his franchise tender. The Rams also signed two of their exclusive rights free agents, defensive lineman Matt Longacre and Louis Trinca-Pasat.

The Rams also waived wide receiver Stedman Bailey, their 2013 third-round pick out of West Virginia. Bailey got shot in the head on November 25, 2015, and has not played football since. He spent last season as a coaching assistant at West Virginia and it is unsure what his NFL future will be.

Scouts fired

With the 2017 NFL Draft being less than three weeks away it seems like a strange time to fire several of your talent evaluators but that is exactly what the Los Angeles Rams have done. The Rams fired Director of Pro Personnel Ran Carthon, who has been with the team since 2012. Danton Barto was the team's southern region scout for the last four seasons. Sean Gustus was the team's southeastern region scout for the last five seasons and Evan Ardoin was the team's midwestern region scout for the last eight seasons.

It could be assumed that since the team's draft board is probably finished that these guys were let go early to get a quicker jump on finding new work.

Preseason schedule

The NFL has released the preseason schedule for the upcoming season, so let's take a brief look at who the Rams play. Week 1 the Rams play at home against the Dallas Cowboys, then they go north to play at the Oakland Raiders.

Of course in week 3 the Rams play at home against the Los Angeles Chargers in a nationally televised game and then close it out by going to play the Green Bay Packers.

James Laurinaitis

James Laurinaitis, who was the productive, reliable and defensive leader of the Rams as their middle linebacker for eight seasons has announced his retirement via Twitter.

In his time with the Rams, he had 853 total tackles, 16.5 sacks, 10 interceptions and 8 fumble recoveries. He finished as the franchise leader in total tackles, solo tackles and assisted tackles while starting in all 112 games. Laurinaitis signed with the Saints after being released by the Rams but only played in six games while suffering from injury issues. Here's to a happy and enjoyable retirement for Mr. Laurinaitis.
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