Rams Bring Mitchell to Southern California

The Rams’ courtship of Miami free-agent quarterback Scott Mitchell officially began Monday night at a dinner with team officials in Los Angeles and continues today with a tour of Rams Park.

The Rams have reviewed videotape of Mitchell at work, have talked to people who knew him in college and have rated him No. 1 among free-agent quarterbacks.

The team has been advised that it probably will take as much as $3.5-million a year to sign him.

Mitchell, 26, already has visited with Detroit and Minnesota, and will travel to New Orleans Wednesday. A trip to Washington has been canceled. Minnesota, according to most NFL observers, is considered the leading candidate to get Mitchell.

The Rams also have made a pitch for Houston quarterback Warren Moon, but the Oilers appear unwilling to deal at this time. The Rams, who are in a hurry to resolve their quarterback problems, are concerned that the Oilers’ asking price for Moon will be too steep. The Rams have let it be known that they will not mortgage their future in the form of multiple top draft picks to acquire a 37-year-old quarterback.

Mitchell’s arrival, meanwhile, kicks off a busy week for the Rams.

The team is expected to announce the hiring of Washington special teams coach Wayne Sevier Wednesday, and if all goes according to Ram plans, Sevier will soon be working with Phoenix punt and kickoff returner Johnny Bailey.

Bailey, who played in last year’s Pro Bowl as the NFC’s top special teams performer, met with Ram officials Monday before undergoing a physical examination. If Bailey and the Rams come to terms, he will also earn duty as the team’s running mate for Jerome Bettis in passing situations.

The Rams will meet with Dallas defensive lineman Jimmie Jones, Atlanta quarterback Chris Miller and New York Giant offensive tackle Doug Riesenberg later this week, and Detroit wide receiver Brett Perriman next week.