PRO FOOTBALL DAILY REPORT : RAMS : Rubley Released After Passing on Deal

T.J. Rubley, who finished last season as the Rams’ starting quarterback, was released Tuesday because he recently rejected a contract offer for next season.

“They offered a deal three weeks ago and we elected not to take it,� Rubley said. “They were disappointed, and I anticipated this might happen.

“I just want the chance to see the field, and I don’t believe I fit in their plans. I could have signed the contract, but a contract doesn’t mean anything until the first week of the regular season, and I’d rather start fresh now than be released the last week of training camp.�

Rubley started seven games a year ago, including a 20-6 victory in the season finale over the Bears. But when the Rams signed him to a one-year deal this past summer, they made it clear they were more interested in Chris Miller and Chris Chandler.

“The only disappointment in this whole thing is trying to be someone’s quarterback and living up to what they expect and then turning around and seeing them pay someone else three and four times as much to play the position,� Rubley said. “That devastated me. I didn’t understand what they were doing.�

An elbow injury, which he kept secret several months, further handicapped Rubley’s standing with the team. Coaches were troubled by his poor performance in off-season workouts not knowing he was throwing in pain. The elbow irritation finally forced the team to place him on injured reserve for the year.

Rubley completed 108 of 189 passes (57.1%) for 1,338 yards with eight touchdowns and six interceptions last season; in comparison, Miller has completed 51.9% of his passes, including 12 touchdowns and 13 interceptions.

“I just love the game in its purist form,� he said. “Take away the business side and it would be that much more fun. But that’s all right. I’ll just start at ground zero again and find somewhere where I can compete as a backup and then see what happens. If nothing materializes, I’ll be at peace and just be a weekend warrior.�

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The Rams also released guard Brad Fichtel to make room for the expected addition of wide receiver Jermaine Ross later this week. If Fichtel clears waivers, the Rams intend to add him to their practice squad.