WitP: Pisa Tinoisamoa Cut by Rams

Wow. The St. Louis Rams announced that they have released linebacker Pisa Tinoisamoa.

“This was a difficult decision based on a lot of factors,” said Rams Head Coach Steve Spagnuolo. “I have a great deal of respect for Pisa and wish him all of the best.”

Tinoisamoa, a six-year veteran, led the team with 135 tackles (88 solo) in 2008, after spending part of the 2007 and 2006 seasons on the reserved/injured list.

Jim Thomas of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch has more.

Coach Steve Spagnuolo likes bigger linebackers, and one thing Pisa Tinoisamoa lacks is size. The Rams have released the veteran linebacker, who led the team in tackles last season with 135, but really doesn’t fit into Spagnuolo’s overall vision for the defense at 220 pounds.

Releasing him frees up $2.25 million in cap space. Once they sign their rookies and pay off some incentives and escalators that kick in on other contracts, the Rams would have been tight against the cap prior to Tinoisamoa’s release.

Bernie Miklasz of the Post-Dispatch writes that it's a curious move.

When healthy he was high up the charts on tackles made. And he’s a fierce competitor. Certainly he could have played a role on the 2009 Rams. The Rams will save $2 million or so in cap money, but this wasn’t really a financial-based move. And the depth at LB isn’t strong.

Best of luck to Pisa. I'm sure he'll end up dominating on some 3-4 team.