Rams Land Former Raider Hester

The Rams, who have remained aggressive in the free-agent market, bolstered the wide receiver position Monday with the acquisition of Jessie Hester.

Hester, a former Raider who caught 64 passes for 835 yards with Indianapolis last season, agreed to a one-year contract with the Rams. The Rams also maintained an option on Hester’s services in 1995.

Hester, 5 feet 11, 175 pounds, was a first-round pick of the Raiders in 1985 before being dealt to Atlanta in 1988. The Falcons released Hester in 1989, and after signing with Indianapolis in 1990, he averaged 57 catches a season with the Colts.

Hester impressed the Rams in a workout this off-season, but his signing didn’t become a priority until after the team failed to get Houston’s Haywood Jeffires.

“He brings speed to us and he becomes an excellent downfield target for quarterback Chris Miller,” said Joe Vitt, Ram assistant head coach, who has been in charge of the team’s free-agent efforts. “We have completely turned the wide receiver position around; that was one of the key things we set out to do in the off-season.”

Henry Ellard led the Rams in receiving a year ago with 61 catches for 945 yards, but Ellard signed with Washington after the Rams made it obvious they had no intention of re-signing him.

The team traded for Charger wide receiver Nate Lewis, signed New England’s Greg McMurtry and used a second-round draft choice on Memphis State’s Isaac Bruce. Flipper Anderson, who remains on the roster, reported for off-season workouts recently at Rams Park for the first time that team officials could recall.

The Rams also reached agreement on a two-year contract with linebacker Chris Martin, who played in every game last season and started four.

“That was a priority signing for us,” Vitt said. “It might not seem like a big deal to some people, but for anyone who studies film it’s obvious how much he means to this team.”

The Rams announced the signing of reserve cornerback Dexter Davis Monday, and Vitt said the team will continue to pursue players as they become available around the league due to salary cap concerns elsewhere.

“We’ve had a great off-season, and I feel pretty good about what we’ve done,” Vitt said. “We made a run at some people who got away, but it wasn’t for a lack of effort or commitment from the front office. Going into camp I think it looks like we have a very good chance to be successful this season.”