ST. LOUIS -- The Rams significantly altered the outlook for their 2015 salary cap and their offensive line Monday afternoon as they informed tackle Jake Long and center Scott Wells of their release.

According to ESPN Stats & Information, the moves save the Rams $12 million against the cap before free agency begins Tuesday.

"Jake and Scott brought experience and professionalism to our program, and we appreciate their commitment and hard work," Rams coach Jeff Fisher said. "Both of them overcame injury difficulties and provided leadership for our younger players. We look forward to seeing what the future holds for both of them."

The Rams signed Long to a four-year deal before the 2013 season, but he lasted only two seasons in St. Louis largely because of a pair of serious right-knee injuries. His release accounts for $8 million in savings this year.

Long tore his anterior cruciate ligament in Week 16 of the 2013 season against Tampa Bay and then did it again in Week 8 of the 2014 season against Kansas City. Those injuries limited Long, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2008 NFL draft, to 22 games in two seasons with the Rams.

Financially speaking, the Rams had to make a decision on Long's future by March 14, when $4 million of his 2015 salary would have become guaranteed.

At various times this offseason, Fisher and general manager Les Snead have floated the possibility of Long playing a different position. Fisher has already committed to Greg Robinson, last year's No. 2 overall pick, remaining at left tackle.

Releasing Wells saves the Rams $4 million this year. He originally signed a four-year, $24 million deal with the Rams in 2012. That contract had since been renegotiated and reduced; Wells appeared in 35 games over the past three seasons.

Injuries cost Wells nine games in 2012 and four in 2013, but he played through an elbow injury to appear in all 16 games last year. Had Wells remained on the roster through Thursday, the Rams would have owed him a $1 million roster bonus.

With Wells and Long subtracted and Joe Barksdale and Davin Joseph headed for free agency, the Rams could have as many as three new starters on their offensive line in 2015.