Rams Shooting for Moon or Mitchell at Quarterback

The Rams have targeted free-agent Scott Mitchell of Miami and Houston’s Warren Moon as their top quarterback candidates and have set their plan in motion by contacting the Oilers about a possible trade for Moon and arranging a visit for Mitchell next week.

The Rams are looking to trade quarterback Jim Everett and either sign Mitchell or trade for Moon, whose $3.25-million salary is forcing the Oilers to deal him to stay under the new $33.8-million salary cap.

Floyd Reese, the Oilers’ assistant general manager, confirmed Wednesday that the Rams and Detroit Lions have expressed interest in Moon but have not begun any official trade talks.

John Shaw, Rams’ executive vice president, said the Rams have made “several inquiries” about Moon. Ram Coach Chuck Knox refused comment, referring all questions about Moon to Shaw.

“Houston hasn’t got back to anyone,” Shaw said. “We have inquired about several quarterbacks who are with teams.”

Shaw refused to reveal who those players are.

“I would rather not say because those players may or may not be (up for trade),” Shaw said.

Moon, 37, finished the 1993 season as the AFC’s 10th-ranked quarterback (21 touchdowns and 21 interceptions). Houston will probably ask for the Rams’ two second-round draft picks in the April 24-25 draft--the 33rd and 47th overall--in return for Moon.

Mitchell, 26, will meet with team officials at Rams Park Tuesday but will not work out. Atlanta’s Chris Miller, an unrestricted free agent, also is scheduled to visit Rams Park next week, although concerns about his oft-injured left knee have made him a second priority behind Mitchell and Moon.

Mitchell visited Detroit on Tuesday, Minnesota on Wednesday and has planned trips to Washington and New Orleans.

Rarely used until this season, Mitchell improved his free-agent stock when he replaced an injured Dan Marino as the Dolphins’ starter. He was 3-4 as a starter, completing 133 of 233 passes for 1,773 yards with 12 touchdowns and eight interceptions but missed a month with a separated shoulder.

Miller, 28, threw 15 touchdown passes with only six interceptions through eight games in 1992 but has played only three games since the ninth week of the 1992 season, when he tore his anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee against the Rams.

Miller underwent reconstructive knee surgery Nov. 2, 1992, then started two games and played in another last season before going on the injured reserve list with another left knee injury.

Besides a quarterback, the Rams are spending the free-agency period, which started Friday, in search of a wide receiver, an offensive tackle, and a kick and punt returner. They also are looking for depth at safety, linebacker and defensive tackle.

Dallas defensive tackle Jimmie Jones is scheduled to visit the Rams next week. Jones, 6-4 and 276 pounds, was a backup for the Super Bowl champions last last season.