ESPN's John Clayton backs up an NFL Network report that WR Steve Smith appears to be on the "verge of a rebirth" in St. Louis. All reports on Smith has been positive since he "came on strong" over the final two weeks of offseason practices. Nearly two years removed from a complex microfracture procedure on his knee, Smith has been the early-camp "surprise" for the Rams, showing "more speed than anticipated." He's been moved back outside in Brian Schottenheimer's offense, with a chance to nail down the No. 1 receiver role.

Reporting from Rams camp, NFL.com's Jeff Darling says there's a "real sense Steve Smith could be on verge of rebirth." If nothing else, it's a sign that Smith's troublesome knee is feeling good. But with no guarantees in his contract, the ex-Giant has a long way to go. The pecking order among Smith, Brian Quick, Chris Givens, Danario Alexander and Danny Amendola will have to shake out during preseason games.

Steve Smith "came on strong" over the final two weeks of the spring practice period, according to the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. Beat writer Jim Thomas expected Brian Quick and Chris Givens and veteran Danny Amendola to be the top three receivers this year, but Smith is making a run up the depth chart along with Greg Salas, who also had a strong spring. Danario Alexander can't be ruled out, either, after showing playmaking ability this week. Training camp and exhibition action will solidify the pecking order in St. Louis.

A Rams team insider told Pro Football Weekly that Steve Smith will likely be St. Louis' fourth receiver if he's healthy enough to make the team. Only Brian Quick, Chris Givens, and Danny Amendola are considered locks to make the 53, and it's wide open for the fifth and sixth spots if Smith can secure the fourth. "It really is up in the air between Brandon Gibson, Danario Alexander, Austin Pettis and Greg Salas," said the Rams source. "I really was starting to like Salas before he got hurt. He reminds me of a bigger Amendola."

Steve Smith's one-year contract with the Rams has a $1 million base salary and another $1.5 million available in per-game roster bonuses. So it's a one-year, $2.5 million deal theoretically, but none of the per-game roster bonuses are guaranteed. They're valued at $93,750 apiece, and will be paid if and only if he's active on game days. Ultimately, it appears Smith was guaranteed no money on the one-year, prove-it deal. He could conceivably be cut in training camp if Smith fails to show his troublesome knee has healed.

According to Rams coach Jeff Fisher, WR Steve Smith was signed after an "extraordinary" workout with the team. Fisher feels that Smith can get back to where he was in 2009 when he caught 107 balls for 1,220 yards and 7 touchdowns. After suffering a knee injury that required microfracture surgery in 2010, Smith was not the same player with the Eagles in 2011. Considering the Rams underwhelming wide receiver situation, the 26-year-old possession receiver has a chance to play every down if he is, in fact, back to 100% health.

Rams signed WR Steve Smith to a one-year contract.

The Rams are reportedly hosting free agent WR Steve Smith on Thursday. It's another sign that the new Rams regime wouldn't heartbroken if restricted free agent Danny Amendola was signed to an offer sheet. Both Smith and Amendola are most effective in the slot. Smith wouldn't solve the Rams' need for a true No. 1 receiver.

ESPN New York believes the Giants are more likely to reunite with free agent Steve Smith than Plaxico Burress. That is, if they reunite with either. Even with Mario Manningham set to depart, it's possible the Giants won't be in the market for a receiver after re-signing Domenik Hixon and spending a third-round pick on Jerrel Jernigan in 2011.

ESPN's Adam Schefter believes a reunion with free agent Steve Smith could be a fallback option for the Giants if they fail to re-sign Mario Manningham. Schefter has been trumpeting a possible Smith/Giants reunion for over two months, so he's clearly not just speculating. Smith had a disastrous 2011 with the Eagles, catching just 11 passes in nine games before being sent to injured reserve with a bone bruise in his surgically-repaired left knee. Although he's still only 26 and over a year removed from his microfracture operation, Smith won't draw any interest until he proves he's healthy.