Rams Looking for a Receiver : Football: The Vikings’ Hassan Jones, former Bronco Michael Young are two candidates the team is considering.
Hassan Jones is unhappy with his role in Minnesota, the Rams are on the prowl for a wide receiver, and the courtship begins.
Jones is expected to visit Rams Park Wednesday or Thursday.
Former UCLA wide receiver Michael Young, released by Denver during last season, will work out for the Rams today.
“Hassan is excited, anxious and interested in the Rams’ situation and he will definitely be there this week,” said Jeff Durand, Jones’ agent. “It’s my strong feeling that Hassan will not be going back to Minnesota this year.”
Jones, 28, caught 22 passes in eight games for 308 yards and four touchdowns. Jones was the Vikings’ No. 3 receiver behind Anthony Carter and Cris Carter, but missed half the season with a back injury.
When free agency began March 1, the Rams made plans to pursue a wide receiver. However, Gerald Perry’s defection to the Raiders diverted their attention, and by the time they got around to taking a run at Dallas wide receiver Kelvin Martin, he was on his way to Seattle to sign a contract.
In the meantime, the Rams have lost No. 3 wide receiver Aaron Cox to the Indianapolis Colts.
Jones, Giant wide receiver Stephen Baker, Miami receiver Mark Clayton and New Orleans wide receiver Eric Martin remain the most attractive unrestricted free agents available.
If healthy, however, Young would come much cheaper. Young underwent back surgery before the 1992 season, and struggled in his return. He caught one pass for 11 yards, played in three games and was released in December.
“We wouldn’t bring him in if we weren’t interested,” Coach Chuck Knox said. “It’s my understanding the back thing is all cleared up.”
If the Rams elect to sign a veteran wide receiver, they will have to pay him more than what they are presently paying their starting wide receivers. Henry Ellard is due to earn $850,000 this season and Flipper Anderson $800,000.
“All I’ve told the Rams is that we’re looking for a market paycheck,” Durand said. “Nine receivers have signed so far, with the lowest receiving $1 million per year and the highest $2 million. The average is pushing $1.5 million, but I’m not saying, I repeat, I’m not saying we have to have $1.5 million.
“A market paycheck would be something in excess of $1.1 million. Whether that’s $1.2, $1.3 or $1.6, I don’t know. I know anything less than $1.1 million would be totally unacceptable.”
Ram Notes
The team has not announced it yet, but center Blair Bush has signed a contract to play for the Rams this season. Bush, the team’s long snapper, will begin his 16th year in the league . .. The Rams will have Cleveland’s eighth-round pick in the Sunday/Monday NFL draft as part of the compensation that sent linebacker Frank Stams to the Browns. The Rams already have surrendered their fourth-round pick to San Diego in the trade for guard Leo Goeas . . . Knox said he does not anticipate the team tendering any more offer sheets to any of the league’s restricted free agents before Friday’s deadline. The Jets have until Thursday to match the Rams’ offer sheet for safety R.J. Kors, or surrender his rights to the Rams.
