Rams Guard Steve Avila Signs Unprecedented Rookie Deal

The Los Angeles Rams signed rookie offensive lineman Steve Avila to his rookie deal, which includes a first for a player at his draft position

After signing "Mr. Irrelevant" Desjuan Johnson on Monday, the Los Angeles Rams agreed to terms with rookie offensive lineman Steve Avila, their top pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, on Tuesday.

Avila signed a four-year rookie deal worth roughly $9.25 million, but there's a unique twist to the contract. The first three years of Avila's contract are fully guaranteed, as is 10 percent of the fourth season. According to ESPN's Field Yates, this marks the first time a player of Avila's draft status, the No. 36 overall pick, has ever received such guarantees.

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

First-round picks almost always get fully-guaranteed rookie deals, but later-round picks haven't received the same treatment. The NFLPA has reportedly been pushing for second-round picks to get full guarantees as well, and Avila's contract marks the latest step in that process.

The Seattle Seahawks did something similar with their second-round pick in defensive lineman Derrick Hall, who was taken one spot after Avila at No. 37 overall. Like Avila, Hall also had the first three years of his deal guaranteed, but the difference is he has $100,000 of guaranteed money in his fourth season rather than a percent-based guarantee.

The Rams are clearly giving Avila a strong vote of confidence with this deal. With Avila already vying for a starting job, he seems to be living up to it so far.

---

You can follow Jonathan Alfano on Twitter @JonAlfano_News

Want the latest in breaking news and insider information on the Rams? Click Here

Want to join in on the discussion? Click here to become a member of the Ram Digest message board community today!

Follow Ram Digest on Twitter and Facebook.

Want even more L.A. Rams news? Check out the SI.com team page here.