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Pace

Barring a setback, Pace should start for St. Louis on Sunday.

Pace and fellow left tackle Walter Jones figure will be the remaining “franchise” players holding out once Charles Woodson reports today.

Many thought Pace’s play struggled early last year after missing all of training camp. Marc Bulger owners should hope Pace is in mid-season form as soon as possible.

Pace hosted teammates at a post-game party last night, which many take as a sign he is about to sign his one-year tender.

Declining skills and injury scares should force Pace to sign a long-term deal this offseason. The Rams are unlikely to let him go.

Typical Mike Martz: do one thing, claim the opposite in public. Moving Pace is a longshot, but it certainly seems possible.

They can negotiate with their franchise player until the Ides of March. It’s hard to imagine the Rams actually going through with this, but it’s reportedly being considered. It would be bad news for Marc Bulger and Steven Jackson.

It’s a longshot, but the fact St. Louis is sending out feelers is a great sign they are tired of playing ''tag’’ with Pace every season.

Pace has been looking for a new agent since firing the Poston brothers mid-season. Pace has been tagged three straight seasons, and is more likely than ever to sign a long-term deal. His age and injury concerns could cause him to seek security.

Pace’s agent offered a monstrous seven-year, $71 million contract for Pace, including a signing bonus more than $27 million. The other players not reaching an agreement are: New Orleans defensive end Darren Howard, Seattle offensive tackle Walter Jones, Baltimore cornerback Chris McAlister, San Francisco linebacker Julian Peterson and Oakland cornerback Charles Woodson.