Rebuilding Rams add safety Butler, fullback Karney

ST. LOUIS -- The St. Louis Rams solidified their secondary and backfield with a pair of free agent signings Wednesday, giving safety James Butler a four-year contract and adding veteran fullback Mike Karney.

Terms of the deals were not disclosed.

The 26-year-old Butler will be reunited with new Rams coach Steve Spagnuolo, his defensive coordinator the last two seasons with the New York Giants.

"It's always good when you get an opportunity to obtain a player that you are familiar with," Spagnuolo said. "James has an understanding of our defensive system and will be a valuable addition to our team."

The Rams have dedicated a lot of attention - not to mention money - toward improving their secondary this offseason, signing free agent cornerback Ron Bartell and putting the franchise tag on safety Oshiomoghe Atogwe.

Butler visited the Rams along with offensive tackle Jason Brown on the first day of free agency. Brown signed a deal the following day.

Butler played the last four seasons for the Giants after entering the NFL as an undrafted free agent with New York in 2005. He replaces Corey Chavous, who was released shortly after Spagnuolo was hired.

Butler had a career-high 14 starts last season and played in 15 games while setting career highs with 76 tackles (45 solo) and three interceptions. He's made 27 career starts in four seasons.

The 5-foot-11, 255-pound Karney has started 46 games in five seasons with the Saints. He'll be expected to provide reliable lead blocking for Steven Jackson.