Rams Gambled on Negotiations, Now May Have to Pay the Phifer : Pro football: The team declined to sign the defensive standout to a long-term deal, and after this season he’ll be free to negotiate with any team.

The Rams want to move, and quickly.

But Roman Phifer won’t let them.

Phifer, an outside linebacker who has displayed star qualities while becoming one of the team’s most productive performers, has ignored the team’s persistent overtures to sign a new deal before he becomes a free agent at season’s end.

“I don’t know why the Rams didn’t go ahead and pay the man when they had the chance,” defensive end Robert Young said. “It was probably a dumb move on their part. I just hope we don’t lose him.”

Before the season began, both Phifer and Young were unsigned. Each was beginning his fourth year with the team and, although they were restricted from going elsewhere, at the end of 1994 they were going to be free to negotiate with 29 other NFL teams, including the two expansion franchises.

The Rams took Young off the market with a three-year, $3.6-million contract but chose to gamble with Phifer.

“I could have gotten hurt or had a down year, but I really had no option,” Phifer said. “They didn’t throw out any number and there wasn’t really any negotiation, so I had to accept what they offered.”

The Rams were required to offer him at least $649,000 or lose him to another team for a third-round draft pick. Phifer had to accept the $649,000 or look for another line of work.

When the Rams announced his signing last summer, they suggested that the one-year deal would buy them a few weeks to work out a long-range deal.

“It was clearly expressed that we wished to do something during the season,” said Jay Zygmunt, senior vice president, who is also working to extend the contract of center Bern Brostek. “Our interest remains the same.”

But Phifer’s agent, Marvin Demoff, has been unwilling to discuss his client’s future with the Rams, and now, months later with the free-agent deadline approaching, the Rams are left to wonder if they will lose one of their top defenders.

“It’s clearly a possibility,” said Ram President John Shaw. “We were hopeful of getting something done, but it appears we’re now on his timetable.”

Demoff, who did not return a phone call to discuss Phifer’s situation, also represented former Ram linebacker Kevin Greene. The Rams told Greene and Demoff they wanted to re-sign him, and the Rams were told they would have the opportunity to make their best offer, should Greene be courted elsewhere. Greene signed with Pittsburgh, and the Rams were the last to know.

“I’d love to be in Roman’s shoes,” said Shane Conlan, who surprised the Buffalo Bills two years ago by signing with the Rams. “He’s going to break the bank. I’m sure the team wants him back, but it’s smart on his part not to sign. He should go out and test it and see what his worth is.

“It would be a blow to our defense to lose him, a big blow. He does a lot of things for our defense. He’s our best cover guy. He’s just a good athlete.”

The Carolina Cougars and Jacksonville Jaguars will be looking to stock their rosters with good athletes, and they will have the money to boost the bidding on certain players. A personable 26-year-old outside linebacker with Carolina roots might get an offer he cannot refuse.

“I’ve had family members talking about Carolina all the time,” said Phifer, who grew up in Pineville, N.C. “It’s been kind of a joke. . . . My loyalties right now are with the Rams, and that’s all I’m concerned with at this time.”

Phifer, a second-round draft pick from UCLA, has shown the versatility to remain on the field in all defensive situations. He led the team in tackles a year ago, and had the Rams enjoyed more success as a team, his name might have drawn Pro Bowl attention. He has played with a hyper-extended elbow this season, yet continues to be one of the team’s most aggressive players.

“I figured I really had to come hard last year because my contract was up, but now it’s the same type scenario,” Phifer said.

The difference this year, however, is that Phifer has the leverage. A year ago the Rams had it, and used it to their advantage in paying Phifer almost $1 million less than Young.

“I know what Robert got and I looked over there a few times knowing he had the money in his pocket,” Phifer said. “I was happy for him and I’m sure he doesn’t have any stress now, wondering what’s going to happen this year. For whatever reason, my situation was different.

“Now there’s a little anxiety in me. I love my teammates and the coaches here, but this thing could take so many turns, it’s crazy. Will the Rams make me an offer? Will I be here? Will the Rams be here or playing in St. Louis next year? There are a lot of things going on right now, and for the time being I have no control.”

However, in a matter of weeks control will swing to Phifer. And if the Rams hope to regain control of the situation, they will have to pay, and probably pay handsomely.