RAM NOTEBOOK / MIKE REILLEY : Rams Interested in Quarterback Mitchell

The Rams have expressed interest in free-agent quarterback Scott Mitchell, although there has been no indication they are ready for serious contract discussions.

“Yes, the Rams have kicked the tires,” said Tony Agnone, Mitchell’s Maryland-based agent. “They have called me to inquire about him.”

With quarterback Jim Everett on the trading block, the team has been interested in free agents such as Mitchell, who was with Miami last year, and Atlanta’s Chris Miller. The team also could explore a trade for Indianapolis’ Jeff George or Houston’s Warren Moon.

“Warren grew up in Los Angeles and has roots here,” said Leigh Steinberg, the Newport Beach-based agent for Moon and George, “so Anaheim is definitely an attractive place. But Houston has not privately told us they’re ready to trade him. They would like to keep both quarterbacks (Moon and backup Cody Carlson).”

But can the Oilers foot the bill? Moon, 37, and Carlson, 30, make a combined $6.25 million a year, and the Oilers might have to trade one of them to free money under the new $33.8-million salary cap.

Not so, Steinberg said.

“I’ve read a lot of speculation,” he said. “But Warren and Cody together don’t make what Troy Aikman makes. They make right about what Steve Young makes. So it’s not only possible, but probable, that Houston could keep both players.”

George, 26, has grown unhappy while languishing in the Colts’ offense the last four seasons.

The Rams are among 11 teams that have inquired about Mitchell, who became an unrestricted free agent when his contract with the Dolphins expired Thursday.

Mitchell, 26, replaced the injured Dan Marino as the Dolphins’ starting quarterback last season and finished as the AFC’s fourth-ranked quarterback, completing 133 of 233 passes (57.1%) for 1,773 yards, 12 touchdowns and eight interceptions.

“Scott’s looking for a strong defense and a strong running game to keep him competitive,” Agnone said. “He’s interested in the offensive line situation and certainly who the offensive coordinator is.”

Agnone said it was “still too early to tell” if Mitchell would visit the Rams’ practice facility.

Ram Coach Chuck Knox, who’s handling the quarterback acquisition, was unavailable for comment.

*

Add free agency: The Rams have secured the right of first refusal on restricted free-agent linebacker Roman Phifer by extending him a $649,000 qualifying offer sheet. The offer sheet was the minimum to guarantee the Rams a first-round draft pick as compensation if another team signs Phifer. Otherwise, the Rams would receive a second-round pick as compensation, the round Phifer was taken in the 1991 NFL draft.

*

Injury update: Ram wide receiver Todd Kinchen, the team’s punt return specialist, underwent a second operation on his injured left knee this month. Kinchen underwent reconstructive knee surgery in November to repair ligament damage he suffered in a game against Washington.

The second operation, arthroscopic surgery, was done in early February to smooth a rough edge on some bone in his knee. He is expected to return to the team in July or August, just after the start of training camp, Ram trainer Jim Anderson said.

Ram tight end Pat Carter, an unrestricted free agent, underwent arthroscopic surgery on his knee and shoulder last week. Both were routine surgeries.