The St. Louis Rams on Thursday signed quarterback Bruce Gradkowski, who was released last week by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

"We wanted to go into training camp with four quarterbacks," coach Scott Linehan said. "With Bruce's talent and experience, we will have four quality quarterbacks competing in camp this year."

In addition to starter Marc Bulger, the Rams also have veterans Trent Green and Brock Berlin on the roster.

Gradkowski, 25, was thrust into the role of starter as a rookie with Tampa Bay in 2006, appearing in 11 games. He spent last season on the sidelines with the arrival of Jeff Garcia as starter.

With the Bucs signing Brian Griese in the offseason and Chris Simms recovered from injury, Gradkowski fell victim to the numbers game in Tampa Bay.

Gradkowski, who played collegiately at Toledo, has completed 54 per cent of his passes for 1,791 yards, with nine touchdowns and 10 interceptions in his career.