Steve Avila

Current Contract

Contract Value Index (CVI)

The Rams' four-year, $9.3M extension for Steve Avila represents a slight overpay for an unproven interior lineman, earning a D+ CVI that reflects questionable timing more than player evaluation. At $2.3M annually with $7.4M guaranteed, Los Angeles is betting heavily on potential rather than production from a guard who hasn't yet established himself as even a solid starter in the league. The contract structure puts significant guaranteed money at risk for a player still working to prove he belongs in an NFL starting lineup, creating unnecessary salary cap exposure during a period when the Rams need cost certainty along their offensive line. While Avila showed flashes as a rookie, paying him like a proven commodity before he's demonstrated consistent performance is the type of premature investment that can handcuff roster flexibility. The Rams would have been better served letting Avila play out his rookie deal to establish his true value, rather than gambling $7.4M in guarantees on an unproven player who may never develop into the reliable starter they clearly hope he becomes.

Performance Analysis

Steve Avila's F grade with the Rams is one of the most misleading grades in the entire system. Avila was one of the best interior linemen in his draft class and has been a quality starter for Los Angeles since Day 1. His F grade is almost certainly a data anomaly rather than a reflection of reality — the tape shows a physical, technically sound guard who is one of the better young offensive linemen in the NFL. The Rams' run game has benefited significantly from Avila's ability to create movement at the point of attack. His pass protection has been equally impressive for a young lineman. This grade should be disregarded in favor of what the eye test clearly shows: Avila is a quality NFL starter with a bright future.