Williams returns to Rams

ST. LOUIS -- Defensive end Jay Williams, an 11-year veteran who broke in with the then-Los Angeles Rams in 1994, is returning to the team.

The Rams announced Wednesday they've signed Williams, 33, to a three-year, $2.65 million contract. The deal includes a $300,000 signing bonus.

The 6-foot-3, 270-pound Williams spent six seasons with the Rams, then two with the Carolina Panthers and three with the Miami Dolphins. In 137 career games, including 31 starts, he has 255 tackles, 23 1/2 sacks, four forced fumbles and two interceptions.

His best season was last season, when he had 57 tackles -- 32 solo -- with two sacks, one interception and two forced fumbles. He played in 16 games, though he started just one. He was released by the Dolphins in February.

He becomes the second Rams player from the 1999 team that won the Super Bowl to return to St. Louis. Earlier in the offseason, the Rams signed tight end Roland Williams.

The signing is expected to add depth at defensive end, a position in some turmoil. Last season's sack leader, Bryce Fisher, left St. Louis, signing a four-year contract with Seattle. And 2003 Pro Bowl end Leonard Little is on trial this week for a 2004 drunken-driving arrest.

Little is being tried as a second-time offender, having been involved in a drunken-driving wreck in 1998 that killed a St. Louis County woman. If convicted, he could face jail time and a suspension from the NFL.

The Rams plan to use second-year player Anthony Hargrove as a starter, and the signing of Williams provides some insurance if Little is unavailable.

* Opening arguments are set to begin today in Little's trial.

Little, 30, of St. Charles has pleaded not guilty to the charges.

He received support during the final day of jury selection from Rams quarterback Marc Bulger and running back Marshall Faulk, both of whom attended Wednesday's proceedings.