RAM NOTEBOOK : Anaheim Is Atop Jones’ Select List
Dallas defensive tackle Jimmie Jones visited Rams Park on Wednesday and designated the Rams “at the top of my list” of teams he’s considering signing with.
More than 20 teams have inquired about Jones, an unrestricted free agent who has visited Detroit and has been in close contact with Miami and the Patriots.
Jay Zygmunt, Ram senior vice president, said the team hasn’t made a contract offer to Jones, but he will be in contact with Jones’ agent, Drew Rosenhaus of Miami.
Rosenhaus said five teams have made contract offers to Jones, but the agent refused to disclose which teams.
“Jimmie is a hot commodity right now,” Rosenhaus said, “and I caution teams not to get too excited about him because he’s considering a lot of places.”
But it appears that the only roadblock between Jones signing with the Rams is his final visit today in Chicago.
Jones, 6 feet 4 and 284 pounds, will meet with Dave Wannstedt, the Bears’ coach and former Dallas defensive coordinator. Rosenhaus said Jones should be signed within the next week or two.
“The Rams have been my best visit so far,” Jones said. “I’m familiar with the defensive system they run here because it’s similar to what we run in Dallas. The only thing I would have to learn is the terminology.”
Jones said the chances are “slim and none” that he would re-sign with the Cowboys.
“The money that (will be) offered to me,” he said, “(Dallas owner) Jerry Jones won’t be able to match.”
Jones, 28, is considered one of Dallas’ most talented linemen, but he has been a backup in his four seasons with the Cowboys. The Rams are looking for a defensive tackle to take some of the pressure inside off Sean Gilbert.
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Free-agent quarterback Chris Miller of Atlanta cleared a physical examination by Ram doctors Wednesday and will work out for Rams coaches today.
The condition of Miller’s left knee has been a concern for the Rams, who are looking for a quarterback to replace Jim Everett, who’s on the trading block.
Miller, 28, threw 15 touchdown passes with only six interceptions through eight games in 1992. But he has played only three games since undergoing reconstructive knee surgery in November 1992.
Miller visited Detroit Monday and also is considering New Orleans.
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The Rams’ search for an offensive tackle continues today when the Giants’ Doug Riesenberg, 6-5 and 275 pounds, visits Rams Park.
The Rams are prepared to extend an offer sheet to Houston tackle Kevin Donnalley (6-5, 305 pounds), a restricted free agent, but are hesitant because it could disrupt trade talks for Moon.
Denver also has contacted the Rams to see if they’re interested in Bronco tackle Don Maggs. The Rams had shown interest in Maggs, 6-5 and 290 pounds, when he left Houston for Denver last season.
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Wayne Sevier, who coached in three Super Bowls with the Redskins, was hired as the Rams’ special teams coach.
Sevier, 52, considered one of the NFL’s top special teams coaches, replaces Howard Tippett, who resigned last week.