The Los Angeles Rams are on the brink of a major financial decision concerning their offensive line. With four out of five starting linemen heading into free agency after the 2026 season, the organization faces the difficult task of retaining its core while managing a tight salary cap. The recent draft pick of Keagan Trost, a versatile lineman capable of playing both tackle and guard, offers some flexibility but is unlikely to solve the impending roster and budget dilemmas entirely. The escalating market value for top-tier offensive linemen suggests that keeping the current formidable unit together will be a monumental and costly undertaking.
One of the key players in question is right tackle Warren McClendon. Despite often being labeled as "serviceable," his potential market value could skyrocket, echoing the contract secured by former 49ers right tackle Mike McGlinchey. McGlinchey's move to the Broncos for $17.5 million annually sets a precedent. McClendon, if he performs consistently through the upcoming 17 games, could command upwards of $18 million per year, reflecting the high demand for reliable starting right tackles in the league.
Similarly, right guard Kevin Dotson, already ranked among the NFL's highest-paid at his position with a $16 million annual salary, is poised for another substantial increase. His performance has solidified his status as one of the league's elite guards, surpassing players like Carolina's Robert Hunt, who earns $20 million per year. Given Dotson's age and established excellence, his contract extension could reach around $20 million annually, aligning his compensation with his on-field impact.
Left guard Steve Avila also presents a significant financial consideration. While his "greatness" might be debatable, his timing couldn't be better. As a starting left guard entering free agency, he is expected to attract numerous suitors. To prevent him from testing the open market, the Rams would likely need to offer a contract in the vicinity of $21 million per year, which would place him among the top three highest-paid left guards in the NFL, on par with Landon Dickerson.
Center Coleman Shelton, often overlooked, has been a consistent performer, starting every game since 2023. Currently carrying the fourth-highest cap hit among centers at $9.5 million, his projected extension of $11 million per year would tie him with Sean Rhyan for the seventh-best annual average value at his position. This demonstrates his quiet but steady ascent in the league and the increasing financial commitment required to secure his services.
The collective projected cost for these four linemen—McClendon, Dotson, Avila, and Shelton—amounts to an staggering $220 million. Factoring in Alaric Jackson's $19.25 million average annual value, the Rams' starting five offensive linemen would command approximately $90 million per season. This figure is exceptionally high, with only one other team (the Panthers) allocating more than $76 million to their offensive line in 2026, and no team currently reaching $90 million in 2027. This doesn't even account for depth players, pushing the total offensive line cap commitment potentially over $100 million annually. Such a scenario makes it incredibly improbable for the Rams to retain all five starters beyond the 2026 season, almost guaranteeing a significant restructuring of their offensive line in the near future.
