Rams Sign Ex-Colt Herrmann to Two-Year Contract

The Rams signed former Indianapolis Colts quarterback Mark Herrmann to a two-year contract, Wednesday. Herrmann, who signed for a reported $250,000 the first season and $270,000 the second, set nine National Collegiate Athletic Assn. records while at Purdue but has had a far less prolific professional career.

Herrmann, in his eighth professional season, was with the Colts throughout the exhibition season but did not play. He becomes the Rams’ only backup to Jim Everett. The team waived Hugh Millen and Steve Dils Monday, and both were taken by the Atlanta Falcons.

Although he had no work in the exhibition season, Herrmann brings with him a knowledge of offensive coordinator Ernie Zampese’s passing game. The two were together with the San Diego Chargers in 1985 and ’86. Herrmann enjoyed his best season in ‘85, when he played in 9 games and completed 132 of 201 passes (65.7%) for 1,537 yards.

The Rams placed punter Dale Hatcher (knee) and running back Tim Tyrrell (hamstring) on the injured reserve list.

In Hatcher’s place, the Rams will sign Rich Camarillo, formerly of the New England Patriots, who agreed to terms Wednesday. Camarillo, in his eighth season, was an All-Pro with New England and averaged 40.1 yards a punt (4th in the AFC) last season.