The Rams' persistence paid off by not letting Panthers linebacker Will Witherspoon go to the airport and letting him fly to New Orleans for a visit.
Witherspoon agreed with the Rams on a six-year, $33 million contract that includes $15 million in guarantees. Witherspoon turned down an offer to stay with the Panthers for close to $11.5 million to sign.
The Saints were trying to be persuasive and get him signed, but Witherspoon stayed in St. Louis and got the deal with the Rams instead.
In the past few days, the Rams have added defensive tackle La'Roi Glover, Witherspoon and safety Corey Chavous to their defense.
John Clayton is a senior NFL writer for ESPN.com.