Rams Make Play for Free-Agent Stokes, Who Left Anaheim in ’88

The New York Jets ordered a limo for free-agent Reggie White, the Detroit Lions took him to a Pistons game and the Washington Redskins showcased their Super Bowl trophies for his benefit.

When it was time for the Rams to impress Washington free-agent defensive end Fred Stokes Thursday, they presented him a sweat suit for his 13-month-old son.

“If he could talk, he’d probably say, ‘Dad, I think that’s where we need to go,’ ” Stokes said. “They went right for my heart--my son.”

The Rams also have been trying to gain the attention of Buffalo linebacker Carlton Bailey, but Bailey now is leaning toward the Green Bay Packers and New York Giants.

“He may go in another direction,” confirmed Tony Agnone, Bailey’s agent. “But I think he will talk to Coach Chuck Knox before doing anything.”

The Rams, in desperate need for more pass-rushing pizazz, have taken a renewed interest in Stokes, who played here in 1987 and 1988. The Rams left Stokes unprotected under Plan B free agency in 1988 and made no attempt to re-sign him, prompting his departure to Washington.

“I left (the Rams) with my mouth open,” Stokes said. “I didn’t know anything and it was like we’re getting ready to experiment with Plan B and the next thing I know I get this letter in the mail saying I’m in Plan B. That was it, I didn’t get any more letters or phone calls during the whole process.”

Stokes went to Washington, backed up Dexter Manley and Charles Mann, and then eventually earned more playing time. In his last 53 games, he has 24 1/2 sacks, forced eight fumbles, recovered 10 fumbles, intercepted a pass and recorded a safety.

The Redskins, while eager to add White to their roster, have failed to embrace Stokes and assure him of their interest in re-signing him. As a result, he might be available to the highest bidder.

Stokes has visited with the Broncos, and said he has other trips planned. After undergoing a physical examination and meeting with Coach Chuck Knox, Stokes said, “I think it looks pretty positive.

“I know this,” he said, “my wife told me, ‘Sweetheart, I like warm weather. If I have to stay in the cold all year long I don’t know what I will do.’ ”

Stokes underwent shoulder surgery a year ago, but the Rams said he passed their physical examination without a problem.

Knox, while head coach in Seattle, made a pitch for Stokes before Stokes chose to go to Washington.

“We’re very, very interested in him,” Knox said.

Did the Rams make a financial pitch for Stokes Thursday? Jay Zygmunt, senior vice president for the Rams and assigned to make an offer to Stokes if the team is so inclined, has not been available for comment for the past two weeks.

The Rams signed free-agent offensive guard Joe Garten, a Valencia High graduate who was released by the Packers last season, and will continue their free-agent shopping today when they meet with San Francisco linebacker Bill Romanowski.