William Hayes Re-signs with Los Angeles Rams

The Rams may be moving from St. Louis to Los Angeles, but that doesn’t mean they’re moving on from some of their key players on defense.

According to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, the Rams will be bringing Williams Hayes with them to Los Angeles for three years on a contract worth $21 million.

The Miami Dolphins were reportedly interested in him, but he has decided to stick with the Rams.

Here’s what NFL Mocks assistant editor Brady Lunt had to say about William Hayes heading into free agency this week.

"The Rams had a talent-loaded defense in 2015, with solid depth across all positions on the defensive line. One of those pieces was DE William Hayes. Filling in for the injuries to Chris Long and Robert Quinn, Hayes responded with 9.5 sacks over two seasons. While one of the better backup lineman in the league, Hayes will soon be turning 31 and will likely be signing with a team needing a veteran presence along its defensive front."

Hayes had five and a half sacks last year in St. Louis while also forcing two fumbles.

The Titans originally drafted him in the fourth round of the 2008 NFL Draft out of Winston-Salem State. In his eight year NFL career with the Titans and Rams, Hayes has played 110 games, but only started 32. He has 195 career tackles and has caused 29.5 sacks.

If you recognize the name William Hayes, it is probably because of his rant concerning dinosaurs never existing.

"“No, I don’t believe dinosaurs existed. Not even a little bit. I believe there is more of a chance you will find a mermaid than you will a dinosaur because we find different species in the water all the time.”"

The Rams also signed Mark Barron to a five year contract worth $45 million and gave Case Keenum a first round tender.