After getting their final pick in the 2023 draft, Desjuan Johnson, under contract on Monday, the Los Angeles Rams are now getting their top selection signed, too. According to Field Yates of ESPN, the Rams and Steve Avila have agreed to terms on a four-year deal.
The rookie wage scale makes the structure of contracts similar for players based on their draft slot, but Avila’s deal has a unique piece to it. The first three years are fully guaranteed and he gets 10% guaranteed in Year 4.
It’s the first time that’s ever been the case for the No. 36 overall pick in the draft.
The Rams have agreed to terms with 36th overall pick @Stevelavila on his rookie contract. Avila was the first pick made by the Rams this year.
The deal is fully guaranteed in the first 3 years, with 10% guaranteed in year 4, which had not previously ever been done at Pick 36.…
— Field Yates (@FieldYates) June 13, 2023
Just about all first-round picks get fully guaranteed contracts, but agents are beginning to negotiate more guaranteed money for second-rounders with each passing year.
Giving Avila guaranteed money in the final year of his contract could be a sign of confidence from the team, expecting that he’ll be an important part of the team come 2026 when he enters the last year of his rookie deal.
Avila will try to earn a starting spot at either guard or center this season after being selected by the Rams at No. 36 overall out of TCU. He played both positions in college so he’s a versatile lineman.
