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Marc Bulger didn't win any ESPY hardware on Wednesday night. Heck, the St. Louis Rams' quarterback didn't even attend the awards show. But as much as any of the honorees or spectators, perhaps even more so, Bulger might yet be a big-time ESPYs beneficiary.  Bulger How so? Because agent Tom Condon of CAA, who represents Bulger, was in Los Angeles for the ESPYs -- and, more key to Bulger's future, to meet with Rams team president Jay Zygmunt about a potential contract extension for the St. Louis quarterback. Zygmunt is on the West Coast to attend a reunion of former Los Angeles Rams players arranged by Hall of Fame defensive tackle Merlin Olsen. Condon and Zygmunt decided that, with the coincidence of both of them scheduled to be in Los Angeles for a few days, the timing was good to resume bargaining. ESPN and ESPN.com confirmed that Condon and Zygmunt will meet on Thursday. Coming off the best statistical season of his career in 2006, Bulger is entering the final year of the four-year, $19.1 million contract he signed in 2004 and is scheduled to earn a $3.95 million base salary in 2007. Without an extension, he could be eligible for unrestricted free agency next spring, although the Rams might opt to designate him a franchise player to limit his mobility in the market. The resumption of negotiations comes in the wake of remarks Bulger made earlier this week during a radio appearance. Although he noted optimism that an extension is "going to get worked out," Bulger hinted he might hold out if a new deal isn't in place by the start of camp on July 26. Through a spokesman, Bulger, who would be subject to fines if he did not report to camp, subsequently softened his remarks and said they were "blown out of proportion." Sources told ESPN.com that the two sides are not close to an extension agreement yet but hope that the Thursday meeting is beneficial and helps narrow the differences. ESPN.com first reported four weeks ago that Condon flew to St. Louis to huddle face-to-face with Rams officials. But there has been little dialogue, and even less progress toward an accord, since that initial meeting. A two-time Pro Bowl performer, Bulger in 2006 completed 370-of-588 passes for 4,301 yards, with 24 touchdown passes, eight interceptions and a 92.9 efficiency rating. He set new career highs for attempts, completions, yards and touchdown passes, and the interceptions were his fewest in a season in which he started more than seven games. For his career, Bulger, 30, has completed 1,357-of-2,106 passes for 16,233 yards, with 95 touchdown passes, 59 interceptions and a 91.3 passer rating. The former West Virginia University star has appeared in 60 games, all as a starter. Senior writer Len Pasquarelli covers the NFL for ESPN.com
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