[Dare]

Has anyone noticed that Rob Havenstein is essentially signed only technically? He has no guaranteed salary. He's on what I like to term an option year. It's not a void year, but a year where a contract is normally renegotiated.

Unless they renegotiate his contract he will play for basically the contract numbers with no guaranteed money. His cap hit would be almost $11.4 M which is alot. The fact it's flying under the table would seem to suggest that they are waiting to see who looks good in OTAs and who they draft. If he starts like I think he probably will, it will be on a renegotiated contract for perhaps on that same money but spread over two years in pretty much the same as they did with Shelton.

What is strange is that they were quick to replace Limmer with Shelton. You have to wonder what their plan is with Havenstein. The Rams need cap space. So I always assumed that they would simply restructure Havenstein for the SB run this year. But will they go with McClendon who wasn't the model of consistency at RT.

I think the wildcard is Leveston. I have always felt that Leveston from the time he was drafted until now that he would take over RG giving them an option to a high priced Dotson next year who is entering his contract year. It will be interesting to see where they play Leveston in OTAs and TC. He might have better feet than Warren to play at RT. McClendon would be better at RG as it would coverup his heavy feet he shows at RT.

They could simply have McClendon practice at OG this year in prep for taking over RG next year. In doing so they could use Havenstein as a one year bridge while they prep him to take over at RT next year.

Regardless I think the right side of the OL will change next year. It's one of the reasons I don't see this as a potential 2 year SB run with Stafford. I think this is a farewell run for him. This team has too many moving parts to assume that they are going to keep this roster exactly the same for 2 years.

[Elvis]

Rams would take $9 mil in dead cap if they cut him...

[AvengerRam]

I see no reason to do much with his contract. His pay level is appropriate, and he may be contemplating hanging it up after this year.

[actionjack]

Havs is def part of the plan, we no other answer at RT. Yes hopefully we draft one, but let him learn under Havs for a year min.

[majik]

As long as Havenstein is healthy, he is the starter. Would not be shocked to see them use a high pick on a RT who could be the starter next year. This may be Havenstein’s last season as he may retire or leave because the Rams probably won’t commit to re-signing a 33-year old RT who regularly misses games

[PARAM]

I thought when a vet is on the roster in week 1, his salary is guaranteed. Maybe I'm wrong?

[Dare]

I don't think it's a given that Rob Havenstein plays this season. He might but not only must he clear medical but he's in an option year with no guaranteed salary. If he starts his contract will need to be amended impacting their $19M free cap. I think they are waiting to see what their alternatives might be.

A. Starting Havenstein one more year and accepting the the cap hit it will create.
B. Releasing Rob and starting McClendon, Leveston or say Wedig at RT.

Considering they haven't changed Rob's contract I think they are waiting to see how the options look in OTAs.

Despite McVay's over blown praise of McClendon he barely played at an average level last year. He was slightly better as a run blocker but not by much. He might be a decent RG where his heavy feet aren't as big of a liability. I think that was his original destination when he was drafted.

Regardless the inclusion of Wedig among the UDFA seems to suggest more than simple coincidence. Wedig split time at LG and RT and apparently played best at RT. I think just how raw he is will determine what they do with Rob. If they are going to make a change at RT it should be this year. Next year they are also looking at a new RG as well. The last thing I think they would want are two new OL on the right side.

When I originally saw Wedig's name on the UDFA list I immediately thought it would be as a potential swing OT. He still might be. But I think it will come down to the OTAs and if any of the young guys gives them enough confidence to make the change at RT this year.

[Elvis]

Merged this with the Havenstein thread you started a couple weeks back...

[BobCarl]

... say Wedig at RT ....the inclusion of Wedig among the UDFA seems to suggest ...Wedig (could) split time at LG and RT ... best at RT ...Wedig

Bring on the RPOs, Rams offense is set now. /sarcasm.

Truth is, that Havenstein is being paid at fair market value. CAN'T expect any UDFA to take on a starter's roll to protect an $80 million investment. I'd love to see someone to be better at that position, and restructure/extend Hav's

Here's what the AI had to say (I didn't fact check him):

If the Rams Release or Trade Havenstein
Pre-June 1 Cut or Trade:

Dead Money: $11,838,589

Cap Savings: Negative $468,629 (i.e., it would cost more against the cap to release him than to keep him)

Designating Havenstein as a post-June 1 release or trade would provide significant cap savings, but the team would still incur a notable dead money charge.

Alternative Options
Restructuring: The Rams could consider restructuring Havenstein's contract to lower his 2025 cap hit, potentially saving around $3.5 million.

Extension: Extending his contract could spread out cap charges over additional years, offering more immediate cap relief.

Summary
Scenario Cap Hit
Keep (2025) — — Dead Money $0 Cap Savings $0
Cut/Trade (Pre-June 1) — Dead Money $11.84M 2025 Cap Savings $0.47M
Cut/Trade (Post-June 1) — Dead Money $4.87M 2025 Cap Savings $6.50M

Given the financial implications, the Rams might prefer to retain Havenstein or explore restructuring or extending his contract to manage cap space effectively.

1. Contract Restructure (Cap Conversion)
How it works: Convert some of Havenstein’s 2025 base salary into a signing bonus.

Benefit: Spreads the cap hit over multiple years (max 5), immediately lowering his 2025 cap hit.

Estimated Cap Relief: ~$3.5M to $4.5M (depending on how much is converted).

Risk: Adds future dead money and limits cap flexibility down the road.

2. Contract Extension
How it works: Add 2–3 years to his deal with a modest guarantee and spread cap hits over a longer period.

Benefit: Lowers the 2025 hit significantly and keeps an experienced RT in-house.

Model: Similar to what the Eagles did with Lane Johnson (age-adjusted, performance-incentivized).

Risk: Locks in a 33-year-old player into his mid-30s.

3. Post-June 1 Designation (if cut or traded)
Cap Savings: ~$6.5M in 2025 (with $4.87M dead money pushed to 2026).

Use Case: If Rams need room to sign rookies or extend key players like Kyren Williams.

Risk: Lose a quality starting RT, uncertain replacement cost/performance.

[AvengerRam]

Rob Havenstein is an above-average RT who is signed through this year at a fair (if not slightly below) market price and is expected to be fully healthy by training camp.

The Rams have no other RT on the roster with more than 5 NFL starts.

Why is this even a conversation?