PRO FOOTBALL / DAILY REPORT : RAMS : Linebacker Stams Is Traded to Browns

The Rams traded linebacker Frank Stams to the Cleveland Browns on Monday for an undisclosed draft choice.

Stams, a second-round draft pick in 1989, appeared in five games last year and suffered a strained left hamstring on the first day of advance camp this summer.

Stams, who played in 16 games as a rookie, was leading the team in tackles after 13 games in 1990, when he suffered a knee injury. Last year, he sat out the first 11 games because of an injury and finished the season with eight tackles. Stams sat out the first two exhibitions this month and played sparingly Saturday night against Green Bay.

“Ever since the knee injury, it’s been one injury after the next and I haven’t been able to get back on track,” Stams said.

Safety Michael Stewart signed a contract believed to be worth $1.1 million over two years. Stewart, who started all 16 games last year and finished second on the team in tackles with 81, will be battling Anthony Newman for the starting strong safety spot. . . . Cornerback Steve Israel, the Rams’ second-round pick, who agreed to terms on a four-year deal worth more than $2 million Sunday, arrived in Los Angeles to sign the contract.

The Rams waived seven players: punters Barry Helton and Thomas Rouen, linebacker Terry Crews, cornerback Jesse Chavis, quarterback Matt Veatch, defensive ends Derrick Carr and A.J. Jenkins. Jenkins is from Cal State Fullerton. Helton, who was signed Dec. 4 after the Rams released Dale Hatcher, punted in three games and averaged 41.2 yards on 11 punts. . . . The Rams asked for a roster exemption for Stewart, who has not been in camp. Assuming they also will ask for a roster exemption for Israel, they will have to release 11 more players today to get down to the maximum of 60.