By Jim Thomas
ST. LOUIS POST-DISPATCH
08/31/2008

The Rams didn’t stop their roster-shaping following Saturday’s final cuts. The team has agreed to terms with cornerback Ricky Manning Jr., and has claimed safety Brannon Condren off waivers from Indianapolis.

To make room for Condren on the 53-man roster, the club released tight end Richard Owens. They don’t have to make a roster move on Manning until he signs his Rams contract, and that isn’t expected to happen until Monday.

Manning Jr., 27, is a veteran of five NFL seasons. He entered the league as a third-round draft pick by Carolina out of UCLA in 2003. Known for his ballhawking skills, Manning has 14 interceptions in 79 regular-season games, including 37 starts.

He made a name for himself in the playoffs as a rookie, recording an interception in Carolina’s double-overtime victory over the Rams in the divisional round, and then recording three interceptions against Philadelphia in the NFC championship game.

Demoted behind distant cousin Danieal Manning as the Bears’ nickel back, Manning Jr. asked to be traded or released. He got his wish Tuesday, and agreed to terms with St. Louis on Sunday. Contract terms weren’t immediately available.

Condren was a fourth-round draft pick of the Colts in 2007 out of Troy. He appeared in eight games as a rookie last season, recording four tackles from scrimmage, one pass breakup, and four special teams stops.