Linebacker Larry Dean auditioned for the Rams yesterday, a source tells Chris Tomasson of the Pioneer Press. The Vikings cut Dean loose last Sunday as they set their 53-man roster.
One might think that the Rams are looking to get a read on the Vikings before they face off on Sunday. However, the source expected the earliest the Rams might sign Dean would be next week. The workout went well, according to the source, and the Rams like Dean’s ability to be a difference maker on special teams.
A key contributor on kick and punt coverage, the 26-year-old racked up 48 career special-teams tackles during his three seasons in Minnesota. Last season, he forced and recovered the first fumbles of his career in 2013. Special teams skills are always appreciated, but he hasn’t been given a chance to play a lot of traditional defense. Dean appeared in just 12 snaps on defense in 2013. Dean had $400K of his contract guaranteed for this season so he still got to keep a nice chunk of change when the Vikings let him go.