The start of NFL free agency is officially here and the Los Angeles Rams made good use of their newfound space early.
Before free agency even began, the Rams managed to re-sign Kevin Dotson to a three-year extension at $48 million with $32 million guaranteed. General manager Les Snead previously mentioned that they were going to try hard to retain Dotson and they accomplished that.
However, Los Angeles wasn’t done investing into their offensive line as they made a splash when they signed former Detroit Lions guard Jonah Jackson to a three-year, $51 million deal with $34 million guaranteed. Jackson is a former Pro Bowler and has been one of the steadiest at his position the past few years.
Jackson will likely take over at left guard, which means the Rams could look to move Steve Avila over to center, via Jourdan Rodrigue of The Athletic:
“Beefing up both guard positions will likely mean a move for second-year offensive lineman Steve Avila, who started every game at left guard in 2023, to center. Avila played center for two seasons at TCU, and when he was drafted there was internal chatter about one day moving him to center.”
Avila was named the Rams’ starting left guard last offseason since Coleman Shelton had already won the job at center. However, the switch shouldn’t be too much of an adjustment for Avila, who spent two seasons at center at TCU.
Avila was considered the best interior lineman prospect last draft cycle because of his strength, technique and athleticism and all those traits shined in his rookie year in Los Angeles. Avila was a large part of the resurgence of head coach Sean McVay’s run game and provided some much-needed stability and talent to a group that sorely needed it.
For the time being, it seems that next year’s starters are in place pending what happens with Alaric Jackson. Assuming Jackson stays, then the offensive would feature him at left tackle, Jackson at left guard, Avila at center, Dotson at right guard and Rob Havenstein at right tackle.
Rams signing former Seahawks tight end Colby Parkinson to three-year deal
Jackson wasn’t the only signing on the offensive side of the field during the first day of free agency. The Rams also reportedly agreed to a three-year deal with former Seattle Seahawks tight end Colby Parkinson.
Parkinson has limited experience as a pass catcher but he makes his money as a blocker in the run game.
