The Los Angeles Rams are hoping to preserve as much of their 2023 offensive line as possible. The unit had a resurgence in 2023 behind rookie Steve Avila, center Coleman Shelton and left tackle Alaric Jackson, among others. Joseph Noteboom was also an instrumental figure, despite not being one of the five regular starters.
Noteboom was a full-time starter on the Rams offensive line in 2019 and 2020, but injuries derailed him after his third NFL season and the Rams chose to utilize him as a backup instead. By 2023, he had carved out a role as the offensive line’s sixth man. He started in eight games and appeared in 14 thanks to his ability to play both tackle and guard.
But he was still being paid starter money, and he had a $20 million cap hit in 2024. The Rams knew they were not going to be able to pay a sixth man that type of money, so the only way he was going to stick around was if he accepted a pay cut and a restructure.
That deal was reportedly agreed to earlier this week, with the Rams being able to lower his cap hit by increasing guarantees, according to Jeremy Fowler of ESPN and Jourdan Rodrigue of The Athletic:
Earlier this week, the #Rams and OT Joe Noteboom agreed to a reworked deal to lessen his 2024 cap hit of $20M, per sources. New deal includes nearly $7M in guarantees and allows him to earn up to $14M.
Noteboom is now healthy and is eyeing a resurgent season. pic.twitter.com/kkFkiSaewL
— Jeremy Fowler (@JFowlerESPN) March 15, 2024
From Over the Cap:
“Noteboom accepted an $8.25 million pay cut in return for $6 million in guarantees.”New cap hit is $11.6M new base salary is $5M for 2024.
Noteboom will be a solid sixth man player for the Rams, who extended him in 2022. https://t.co/khEhkpgdRF
— Jourdan Rodrigue (@JourdanRodrigue) March 15, 2024
This is a massive win for the Rams, as they keep Noteboom around in the role that they have carved for him while saving some money on their cap sheets. For Noteboom, it’s a chance to prove himself as both a reliable backup and potentially a starter before the next time he enters free agency.
Rams place second-round tender on Alaric Jackson
The Rams placed a second-round tender on starting left tackle and free agent Alaric Jackson at the start of the 2024 free agency window.
The second-round tender allows L.A. the first right of refusal to match any offer that is given to Jackson by another team, while still allowing him to negotiate freely with other teams. If another team gives Jackson a contract offer and the Rams do not match it, they are entitled to a second-round pick from the team that signs him.
