Rams Making Their Pitch for Oilers’ Tackle Donnalley

The Rams met Friday with Houston offensive tackle Kevin Donnalley, a restricted free agent, and will open discussions Monday with his agent regarding an offer sheet.

If the Rams tender such an offer and Houston chooses not to match it, the Rams will have to surrender their third-round pick in next month’s NFL draft.

“We had a social gathering and I was wined and dined,” Donnalley said after visiting with Coach Chuck Knox. “No offer has been made, but they said they would give my agent an offer Monday.”

Donnalley, 6-5 and 305 pounds, started the first six games for the Oilers last season and earned $275,000. The Rams say Donnalley, 25, who has eight starts in his three years in the league, has the ability to become their starting left offensive tackle.

“I told Kevin we would talk to his agent Monday,” said Jay Zygmunt, Ram senior vice president. “I have no idea what they’re looking for in a contract. If the numbers make sense then we would probably be inclined to do something. I assume they have an interest in coming here.”

Donnalley might be in favor of playing here, but the Oilers have indicated they will match an offer for Donnalley unless such an offer includes a large base salary for 1994, which would then hurt them in their attempt to stay below the NFL salary cap.

In addition to Donnalley, the Rams have an interest in Houston wide receiver Haywood Jeffires. Jeffires, who has 386 receptions for 4,652 yards with 33 touchdowns, is expected to visit Rams Park on Monday.