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How a backup lineman could help Rams retain their top defenders
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- How a backup lineman could help Rams retain their top defenders
One of the more underrated stories revolving around the Los Angeles Rams is Beaux Limmer . The center who was launched into the starting lineup as a rookie in 2024 did not feature much in 2025, with the Rams opting to use Justin Dedich as their backup along the interior offensive line.
While Dedich did his job, and he did it to the best of his abilities, it's doubtful that the Rams see him as a long-term starter. The Rams are also set to see four of their five starting offensive linemen hit free agency after the season. The team did draft Keagen Trost, who could play all five positions, but with Limmer being an unknown, he could be the piece that helps keep the Rams' defense together – should he develop into a starter.
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Limmer, a 6-5, 318-pound lineman, has the frame to succeed at the NFL level, especiallyas a run blocker. His abilities as a pass protector have prevented him from ascending to the next level. Limmer and Dedich are interesting, as they are entering their third NFL season.
Limmer is likely a center by trade, but in a scenario where he is able to make the adjustment to guard, there's a legitimate argument to say the Rams might have their interior offensive line set for the future. Regardless of what happens to Coleman Shelton , it's reasonable to say that in order to retain both Steve Avila and Kevin Dotson , the Rams will likely have to spend over $32 million next season for both.
Dotson earns $16 million per season and has outplayed his contract. Avila is on his rookie deal, but he deserves eight figures a year and will find such an amount on the open market. In a world where Trost and Limmer are able to succeed both players for the 2027 season, they would free up the money for the Rams to retain their defensive line.
Kobie Turner will likely make over $20 million, while Byron Young has the ability to make over $25 million per season. Turner's a captain and the Rams' best interior lineman. He will likely get extended. Young is the big question mark, as the Rams hypothetically have his replacement in Josaiah Stewart , while needing to pay Jared Verse and Braden Fiske in the coming years.
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Here's the kicker. Young is already 28 years old. Teams will likely avoid a four-year deal, opting for a three-year contract, unless Young is willing to push all his guaranteed money to the first couple of years on his next contract. Young would also be in a position to sign a three-year deal at a higher average annual value, likely in the $30 million range.
That amount the Rams could save on the offensive line would be enough to keep Young. The other part of the puzzle is Verse's looming extension. If Young gets a three-year deal, that would run from 2027-2029. Verse has a fifth-year option for 2028, which means the bulk of his future extension wouldn't occur until after 2029. It's those gaps that could help the Rams retain their top players.
If the Rams wish to proceed with this course of action, Limmer will need to make a big leap. The Rams trust Dedich; they don't trust Limmer. To be honest, if Dedich is to break into the starting lineup, it will likely be at center. Thus, Limmer has every opportunity to secure his future this offseason.
This article originally appeared on Rams Wire: Rams' Beaux Limmer could help LA keep its young defense intact
