Though there is no guarantee that Rams QB Marc Bulger will be back next season, team officials are downplaying a report that him cleaning out his locker could signal his departure.

Like most other players who cleaned out their stalls after the Rams’ 1-15 season mercifully ended, Bulger left workout gear and other belongings in his locker, a team source said.

I’ve been told that Bulger wouldn’t mind coming back, but that he’d also welcome a fresh start should the Rams opt to release him. He’s due $8.5 million next season (his escalating contract runs through 2013), which is a large amount for a quarterback that hasn’t performed well or stayed healthy the past three seasons.

A few days before the Super Bowl, I asked Rams coach Steve Spagnuolo about Bulger’s future with the team. Spagnuolo’s answer left things wide open for interpretation.

“I’ll support Marc to the end because I love the guy,” Spagnuolo said. “He’s a competitor and a good football player. Marc can still play some good football. We saw the ability of our other two quarterbacks (Kyle Boller, Keith Null), whether you consider that good or bad. Now we can sit down and evaluate.”

The Rams hold the No. 1 overall pick in the upcoming draft and could select a quarterback. General manager Billy Devaney told me the team is working through a lot of scenarios. The Rams also could be in the trade market for a QB such as Michael Vick or Jason Campbell.

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