Donnalley Says He’ll Sign $4.1-Million Ram Offer Sheet Today

ANAHEIM — The Rams continued their raid on Houston personnel by presenting offensive tackle Kevin Donnalley with a $4.1-million, four-year offer and making a favorable impression on Oiler wide receiver Haywood Jeffires.

“I’m going to sign it (today) and then wait and see if Houston will match it,” Donnalley said. “I’d rather play in L.A. They pursued me, and they made it clear they want me. They said they need me to fill their left tackle job. I just hope Houston doesn’t match the offer.”

The Rams declined to reveal the yearly breakdown, but it has been learned that they offered him a $1-million signing bonus and salaries of $700,000 in 1994 and ‘95, $800,000 in ’96 and $900,000 in ’97. Donnalley earned $275,000 in 1993, and the Rams’ offer has been designed to make it difficult for the Oilers, who have serious salary cap problems, and still have 27 unsigned players on their roster.

The Oilers have seven days to respond to the Rams’ offer sheet, and if they choose not to match it, they will receive the Rams’ third-round pick in next month’s draft as compensation.

“He’s a left tackle and he has played well there,” Ram Coach Chuck Knox said. “He’s a quality player in an area where we have a definite need.”

If Donnalley, 25, joins the Rams, starting left tackle Irv Eatman, due to earn $1.1 million, probably will be asked to take a pay cut if he wishes to remain with the team.

Donnalley (6-5, 305) impressed the Rams with his play against San Diego’s Leslie O’Neal and Kansas City’s Derrick Thomas last season. The Rams are scheduled to play the Chargers and Chiefs in ’94.

“They said they want me there to protect (quarterback) Chris Miller,” said Donnalley, who has started eight games in his three-year career. “They showed me they really wanted me on my visit to L.A., and after meeting Coach Knox, I can’t wait for the opportunity to play for him.”

Jeffires, a three-time Pro Bowl selection who is an unrestricted free agent, sang the same tune after spending two days with the Rams’ brass.

“These guys really impressed me,” Jeffires said. “I’m very high on the Los Angeles Rams.”

Jeffires, who earned $900,000 and caught 66 passes for 753 yards in ‘93, including six for touchdowns, said there are four suitors for his services--the Rams, Redskins, Oilers and Broncos.

The Broncos would obviously eliminate themselves if the Raiders choose not to match their offer sheet to wide receiver Tim Brown. The Oilers’ salary cap concerns might make it difficult to meet Jeffires’ salary demands, leaving Washington--without a quarterback--to compete with the Rams.

“The signing of Chris Miller shows the Rams are headed in the right direction,” Jeffires said. “And after talking with the coaches here and seeing the interest the coaching staff has in me, I’d be a fool not to want to be with the Rams.”

The Rams worked out Jet wide receiver Terance Mathis on Tuesday and will look at Giant safety Greg Jackson and Patriot wide receiver Greg McMurtry today. Colt wide receivers Clarence Verdin and Jessie Hester will be here next week.