Heyward Signs With St. Louis

The St. Louis Rams signed Craig “Ironhead” Heyward to a four-year contract Tuesday, in part because they hope the veteran running back can be a positive influence on the troubled Lawrence Phillips.

The Rams prized Heyward, 30, for his ability to help at three positions: H-back, fullback and tailback. San Diego and Atlanta, where Heyward played the last three years, also competed for Heyward’s services.

“I’m tickled,” said Dick Vermeil, the Rams’ coach and general manager. “He’s a great blocker and a very good runner and has very good hands. Whoever is lining up at tailback is going to be better.”

The Rams also hope Heyward can assist Phillips, the second-year running back who’s had several scrapes with the law.

“I think he can be a great sounding board for younger players - how to be a true pro and handle your problems, how to correct them, how to become what you ought to be,” Vermeil said of Heyward.

It was the second free agent signing for the Rams in two days. On Monday, they signed kicker Jeff Wilkins to a four-year, $2.1 million deal.