The Los Angeles Rams’ offense experienced a resurgence during the 2023 season as head coach Sean McVay completed revamped his run-game scheme.
With offensive coordinator Mike LaFleur on board, McVay moved away from his preferred outside-zone and implemented more gap-scheme runs for running backs like Kyren Williams to get downhill between the tackles.
The offensive line was the largest reason for the switch, with guards like Steve Avila and Kevin Dotson paving the way. With those two manning the guard spots, it left Joseph Noteboom as the odd man out of the o-line room.
Although Los Angeles has cap space to play with in free agency, there’s a possibility they look to restructure Noteboom’s contract ahead of 2024 season, via Jourdan Rodrigue of The Athletic:
“After speaking with people who are familiar with reserve offensive lineman Joe Noteboom’s situation, I believe a heavy contract restructure that would keep Noteboom in Los Angeles in a sixth-man role is on the table. The Rams could save almost $10 million against his current contract with such a restructure, instead employing him in the $4 million to $6 million range. Noteboom could also have the option to test the market — and that would likely mean a release, because the Rams will not keep him on his current $15 million salary in 2024. However, both McVay and Snead have publicly expressed their desire to retain Noteboom (his contract just has to be more team-friendly because he is no longer a starter).”
Noteboom was originally penciled in to take over the left tackle job following Andrew Whitworth’s retirement, but injuries and the improved play of Alaric Jackson pushed him to the bench. During this past training camp, McVay tried Noteboom at right guard to find him a starting role, but that was awarded to Dotson after he was traded from the Pittsburgh Steelers.
There’s no such thing as too much offensive line depth in the NFL, so if the Rams can keep Noteboom on a team-friendly deal they’ll have fewer needs to address in free agency and the 2024 NFL Draft.
Rams sign Kevin Dotson to three-year extension
Dotson was a revelation for Los Angeles in his first year with the team as he became an integral part of their physical identity upfront. Dotson played sparingly for the Steelers this past season but found a home with the Rams.
Dotson was scheduled to hit free agency and was expected to have a competitive market, but L.A. was able to re-sign him to a three-year extension.
