Maddox May Become a Ram Today

The Rams talked extensively with the Denver Broncos on Friday and appear close to completing a trade today for former UCLA quarterback Tommy Maddox.

“The Broncos approached us,” said Jay Zygmunt, Ram senior vice president. “It’s definitely something worth considering.”

Team officials met late last night at Rams Park and agreed to make a formal bid for Maddox, a No. 1 pick two years ago, who turns 23 in six days.

A club official said there was no deal as of Friday night, but it could be completed as early as noon today.

The Broncos asked the Rams for a third-round draft pick next year, the Rams countered with an offer of a fifth and the two teams then discussed the Rams’ fourth-round pick, which was obtained in a trade with Dallas during this year’s draft.

The Rams like Maddox because of his age, athletic ability and the anticipated value of quarterbacks with expansion next season.

“Make no mistake Tommy Maddox would love to play for the Rams,” said Leigh Steinberg, Maddox’s agent. “The Giants, Cardinals, Bengals and 49ers have also expressed interest in him.

“Who wouldn’t want Tommy Maddox? If he had stayed in school he would have been one of the top five players in this year’s draft.”

Maddox guided UCLA to a 9-3 record and a victory in the John Hancock Bowl as a sophomore and then chose to make himself eligible for the NFL draft.

If the Rams consummate the deal, he is expected to assume Jamie Martin’s role as the No. 3 quarterback. The Rams might also have to re-evaluate their final cuts, and in some cases, keep a younger player instead of a veteran to maintain room under the salary cap.

The Broncos announced recently, that because of Maddox’s $850,000 salary and salary-cap considerations, they would release him before Sunday’s final cut to 53 if unable to deal him.