Rams Are Expected to Trade Everett Soon : Football: Deal with New Orleans could be completed today, both teams say.

The Rams, hoping to make room under the salary cap to stay aggressive in the free-agent market, are expected to trade quarterback Jim Everett to the New Orleans Saints as soon as today.

Ram officials indicated that if the deal is completed today, the team will receive in compensation a low draft pick, believed to be a seventh-rounder. New Orleans officials confirmed that the trade could be announced as early as today.

Everett was believed to be on his way to New Orleans on Thursday night, and must pass a physical before the trade is completed.

At a staff meeting Thursday morning, the Rams decided to no longer demand a high draft pick in compensation for Everett, and to unload his $2.65-million salary for next season. They decided to make contact with New Orleans, the only team showing interest in the struggling quarterback.

Marvin Demoff, Everett’s agent, also confirmed Thursday night that the Rams and Saints have been discussing a trade for Everett.

The Rams obtained Everett in a trade with Houston in 1986, giving up defensive end William Fuller, guard Kent Hill, first-round draft choices in 1987 and ‘88, and a fifth-round choice in 1987. Houston had made Everett the third overall selection in the 1986 draft behind running back Bo Jackson (Tampa Bay) and nose tackle Tony Casillas (Atlanta).

But after leading the Rams to three consecutive losing seasons, Everett was benched last season in favor of quarterback T.J. Rubley. The Rams considered cutting Everett in November to save money.

Everett has two years left on his contract, and in 1993 was designated as the team’s transition player for the 1996 season, after his contract expired. By trading Everett, the Rams would retain the transition designation to use on another player.

The Rams have been shopping Everett since the trading period opened Feb. 17.