Saints trade Turley to Rams

ST. LOUIS, March 21 (UPI) -- Calling it a "major, major, major step in solidifying the offensive line," the St. Louis Rams Friday acquired controversial tackle Kyle Turley from the New Orleans Saints for a 2004 second-round draft pick.

While Turley started all 16 games last season at left tackle, Rams Coach Mike Martz said he plans to use the 6-5, 300-pounder on the right side opposite Orlando Pace, who has requested a trade.

"It's a position (right tackle) that we've struggled at over the last few years," Martz said. "Now we feel we've got just a tremendous addition to our team. He will impact us the same way Marshall Faulk did and Aeneas Williams did."

The seventh overall pick in the 1998 draft out of San Diego State, Turley has started all 79 games he has played in his career.

In 2001, he was fined $25,000 by the Saints after ripping off the helmet of then-New York Jets safety Damien Robinson and tossing it downfield. He also agreed to undergo counseling at the team's request.

"This is a move forward for our organization and for Kyle," New Orleans General Manager Mickey Loomis said. "This trade allows us the flexibility to add more talent to our roster in the future."

Last year, the Saints traded former All-Pro tackle William Roaf to the Kansas City Chiefs for a 2003 third-round pick.