Rams Are Pursuing Jeffires, Two Other Free Agents

After signing Chris Miller on Monday, the Rams began pursuing protection and potential targets for their new quarterback--Houston offensive tackle Kevin Donnalley and wide receiver Haywood Jeffires, and Detroit wide receiver Brett Perriman.

Donnalley, a restricted free agent, is expected to visit Rams Park late this week or early next week, said Jay Zygmunt, senior vice president. Jeffires, a Pro Bowl selection and unrestricted free agent, will visit early next week, Zygmunt said.

Perriman, an unrestricted free agent who spent the last three seasons with the Lions, visited the Rams on Tuesday.

The Rams have considered extending an offer sheet to Donnalley for the last few weeks, but feared it could damage potential trade talks with the Oilers for quarterback Warren Moon. But those talks ended Monday when the Rams signed Miller to a three-year, $9-million contract.

Jeffires, 29, is considered the best of the unrestricted wide receivers not designated a transition player, meaning the Oilers don’t have right of first refusal.

To sign Donnalley, the Rams would have to give up a third-round draft pick as compensation. Houston tendered a $298,000 contract to Donnalley, the minimum for a restricted free agent. The Oilers would be free to match any offer by the Rams to retain the tackle.

Donnalley, 6 feet 5 and 305 pounds, has started eight games in three seasons with the Oilers.