ST. LOUIS -- With defensive backs falling by the wayside and experienced depth hard to find, the St. Louis Rams traded Tuesday for Tampa Bay safety Mark Barron, a former first-round draft pick.
The trade-deadline deal involved draft picks that the Rams did not disclose being sent to Tampa Bay. Jim Thomas of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reported that the Rams gave up a fourth-round pick and a sixth-round pick in the 2015 draft.
Since being drafted seventh overall by the Bucs in 2012, Barron has started and played 37 games, including all seven Tampa Bay games this season. The third-year pro from Alabama has 225 tackles, 19 passes defensed, three interceptions and two sacks in his career.
The Rams have been thin in the secondary all season as only one projected starter, strong safety T.J. McDonald, has avoided injury and appeared in every game. Free safety Rodney McLeod (knee) and backup Cody Davis (head) had to leave Sunday's loss to Kansas City early, and cornerbacks Janoris Jenkins (one game missed; knee), Trumaine Johnson (out since the preseason with a knee injury) and Brandon McGee (five games missed; foot) all have missed time.
Rookie cornerback E.J. Gaines has started every game this season, and rookies Marcus Roberson (one start at corner), Lamarcus Joyner and Maurice Alexander have seen action as well.
