Rams Get Chris Chandler as Backup

The Rams’ search for a backup to quarterback Chris Miller ended Friday when they signed free-agent Chris Chandler to a one-year contract worth $600,000.

Chandler’s salary includes a $500,000 base salary and a $100,000 signing bonus. His signing comes a day after Jack Trudeau, who worked out for the Rams earlier this week, signed a one-year deal with the New York Jets.

Ram coaches have wanted Chandler since he visited Rams Park March 7, the day Miller signed with the team. They invited him back for a workout Wednesday and agreed to contract terms Friday.

“Chris is an outstanding acquisition for our team,” said Joe Vitt, Ram assistant head coach. “He brings athleticism and veteran leadership as a solid backup behind Miller.”

Chandler, 6 feet 4 and 225 pounds, has completed 585 of 1,066 passes (54.9%) for 6,769 yards and 34 touchdowns in his six-year career, which started in Indianapolis in 1988. He was traded to Tampa Bay before the 1990 season and split the 1991 season between the Buccaneers and Phoenix.

His best season was in 1992, when he started 13 games in place of an injured Timm Rosenbach and completed 245 of 413 passes (59.3%) for 2,832 yards with 15 touchdowns and 15 interceptions. He was a reserve last season.

The Rams also expect to receive by Monday the signed contract of free-agent wide receiver Greg McMurtry, who agreed to terms on a one-year, $500,000 deal with the team on Wednesday.

Wide receiver Richard Buchanan, who spent part of last season on the Rams’ practice squad, signed a one-year deal with the team Wednesday. Also, the Chicago Bears came to terms with free-agent tight end Marv Cook, a former Pro Bowl selection with New England who had worked out recently for the Rams.