The Los Angeles Rams have another number to consider in any contract talks with Steve Avila.
The Buffalo Bills reached a four-year, $78.4 million extension with O’Cyrus Torrence on Aug. 7, ESPN’s Alaina Getzenberg reported. The deal includes $46 million guaranteed and makes Torrence the NFL’s seventh-highest-paid guard.
That development comes as Steve Avila enters the final season of his rookie contract and is eligible for an extension.
He made his preference clear during the Rams’ offseason program.
“I feel like everybody that’s up for extension is hoping to get one,” Avila told the Rams’ official website in April. “That’s definitely something I wish could happen.”
Torrence’s new deal doesn’t set Avila’s price by itself, but it gives his camp another significant data point.
The comparison becomes especially interesting after Avila’s stronger 2025 season by Pro Football Focus’ grading.
Avila Has Strong Case After Bills’ $78 Million Deal
GettyINGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA – JANUARY 05: Steve Avila #73 of the Los Angeles Rams celebrates the 58-yard field goal by teammate Joshua Karty #16 against the Seattle Seahawks during the second quarter at SoFi Stadium on January 05, 2025 in Inglewood, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
Avila earned a 76.8 overall grade from PFF last season, ranking ninth among 81 qualifying guards. His 74.1 run-blocking grade ranked 11th, while his 70.6 pass-blocking mark ranked 21st.
He also allowed 14 pressures and one sack across 835 offensive snaps.
Torrence finished considerably lower in the same grading system.
PFF gave him a 59.8 overall grade, which ranked 44th among 81 guards. He posted a 64.0 pass-blocking grade and a 54.6 run-blocking grade while allowing 32 pressures and three sacks over 1,129 snaps.
Torrence does carry advantages in durability and continuity.
The 26-year-old has started every regular-season game since Buffalo selected him in the second round of the 2023 NFL Draft, appearing in 51 games over his first three seasons.
Avila, also a 2023 second-round pick, has dealt with injuries during his Rams tenure.
Still, the $19.6 million average annual value attached to Torrence’s extension provides a useful comparison for Avila if Los Angeles wants to complete a deal before he reaches the open market.
Avila’s current four-year rookie contract is worth approximately $9.25 million total, via Over the Cap. He is scheduled to count $4.61 million against the salary cap in 2026 before becoming an unrestricted free agent in 2027.
Rams Could Pay More by Waiting on Steve Avila
GettyATLANTA, GEORGIA – DECEMBER 29: Head coach Sean McVay of the Los Angeles Rams looks on against the Atlanta Falcons during the fourth quarter at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on December 29, 2025 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
The Rams have time to evaluate Avila for another season, although waiting has its own risk.
A strong 2026 could strengthen Avila’s negotiating position as the guard market continues to rise.
Torrence is now under contract through 2030, and Buffalo’s willingness to guarantee $46 million shows the value teams are placing on young interior linemen.
Avila said in April that he has tried to avoid making his contract situation the focus of his offseason.
“I try my best to stay the same every single year,” Avila said. “I know for me, I’ve always improved every single year I’ve played football.”
That improvement showed up in his 2025 numbers.
But the Rams have a decision on whether to secure one of their homegrown offensive linemen before another productive season potentially raises the cost.
Los Angeles has structured the offense around keeping Matthew Stafford protected, and Avila has become an important part of that group at left guard.
Torrence’s extension gives Avila a fresh benchmark months before his contract expires.
If Avila continues playing at a top-10 level by PFF’s grading, $78.4 million may look like the kind of number the Rams have to confront.
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