The St. Louis Rams have signed linebacker Will Witherspoon to a contract. Witherspoon was the "hottest" free-agent linebacker on the market after several strong seasons with the Carolina Panthers. Last year, Witherspoon led the Panthers with 109 tackles, 2.5 sacks, and two interceptions.

Witherspoon will start for the Rams. He was originally a third-round pick in the 2003 draft, but has flourished into one of the league's top linebackers. The deal is reportedly worth $33 million over six years.