St. Louis Rams Sign WR T.J. Moe

Jim Brown-USA TODAY Sports

According to a tweet from his agent Matt Brei on Monday afternoon, former Missouri Tigers wide receiver and St. Louis native T.J. Moe has signed with the St. Louis Rams. The 5-foot-11, 200-pound wideout had been jobless since being released by the New England Patriots in March. He spent all of 2013 on injured reserve after tearing his Achilles last offseason. Moe’s signing with the Rams is somewhat curious, as head coach Jeff Fisher appeared to take a bit of a shot at him during the lead up to the draft last year, remarking during a pre-draft Q&A that Moe was a “very good college football player” and seemingly questioning his ability to translate his skills to the NFL.

At first glance Moe seems very similar to wideout Andrew Helmick, a Lindenwood University product who drew interest from fans in training camp as a local product but ultimately did not make the team or even the practice squad. It’s possible, however, that Helmick would have had a better chance if he hadn’t gotten injured during training camp.

The Rams could use some further kick and punt return depth, especially considering that their primary returner, Tavon Austin, was somewhat lacking in the durability department last year. Moe could provide that, and he could also potentially contribute as a slot receiver. With that said, his chances can’t be too good with the Rams already having the five receivers who spent the full year on the roster plus newly acquired free agent Kenny Britt and young wideouts Justin Veltung and Emory Blake, who spent most of 2013 on the practice squad. Regardless, though, it’s a nice showcase for Moe as well as a treat for fans to see their beloved hometown product take the field with the team.