Rams to release cornerback Cortland Finnegan

Cortland Finnegan has developed a reputation as a dirty player in NFL circles. (Doug Pensinger/Getty Images) The Rams informed cornerback Cortland Finnegan

Cortland Finnegan has developed a reputation as a dirty player in NFL circles. (Doug Pensinger/Getty Images)

The Rams informed cornerback Cortland Finnegan that he would be cut before receiving a $3 million roster bonus next week. Before the team could announce his release, Finnegan took to Twitter to thank St. Louis and the team's coaching staff.

The move was not a surprise considering Finnegan had not played up to his salary cap number after signing a five-year, $50 million deal with the Rams two years ago. Nagging injuries also have contributed to his decrease in value. He missed nine games with a fractured orbital in 2013.

Finnegan was scheduled to make $6 million and weigh $10 million against the cap in 2014, but the Rams have up-and-coming corners Janoris Jenkins and Trumaine Johnson on the roster.

Prior to joining St. Louis, Cortland was an All-Pro and Pro Bowl selection in 2008 with the Titans, and has embraced his reputation as a defensive back who pesters receivers and pushes the boundaries of the rules.

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St.Louis thank you for your letting me play for a classy franchise and coach fish nothing but love thank you all. #Motivation @AdamSchefter

— Cortland Finnegan (@CortFinnegan) March 5, 2014

So just to summarize, the Rams have not released Cortland Finnegan yet ... That'll happen after new league year starts, before bonus is due.

— Albert Breer (@AlbertBreer) March 5, 2014