RAMS : Former Giant Tackle Agrees to Two-Year Deal

The Rams, searching for a veteran tackle to protect quarterback Chris Miller, came to terms Wednesday on a two-year contract with free agent Clarence Jones of the New York Giants.

Jones is expected to sign with the Rams by the end of the week, said his agent, George Mavrikes. The Rams also came to terms on a two-year deal with tailback Cleveland Gary and a one-year contract with backup fullback-tailback David Lang.

Jones, 6 feet 6 and 280 pounds, has backed up Jumbo Elliott and Doug Riesenberg in three seasons with the Giants. The Giants selected him in the fourth round of the 1991 draft.

During the free-agency period, he was courted by several teams, including Cleveland, Atlanta, Green Bay and Philadelphia, but chose the Rams because he thought he had a good chance to start.

The Rams waived starting left tackle Irv Eatman in April, but used their top draft pick (16th overall) on Auburn’s Wayne Gandy, whom they expect to be their future starter.

“The Rams need depth on the line, and Clarence has been healthy his entire pro career,” Mavrikes said. “He can play left or right tackle, and I think he was a bargain for the Rams.”

The Rams need a veteran left tackle to protect the blind side of Miller, their oft-injured quarterback. In the first six weeks of the season, the Rams will face four of the top defensive ends and outside linebackers in the league--Arizona’s Clyde Simmons, Atlanta’s Chris Doleman (twice), Kansas City’s Derrick Thomas and Green Bay’s Reggie White.