Joe Noteboom, Los Angeles Rams. (Photo by Abbie Parr/Getty Images)
Offensive tackle Joe Noteboom makes bank from the Los Angeles Rams in his free agency.
The Los Angeles Rams prioritized free agent offensive tackle Joe Noteboom this offseason by bringing him back on a multi-year contract.
Ian Rapoport of The NFL Network reported Noteboom will be returning to the defending Super Bowl champions on a three-year deal worth $40 million. $25 million of this contract is fully guaranteed. The maximum value of the contract could go up to $47.5 million with incentives. While there is reason to be skeptical about the signing, the Rams probably know what is best.
This signing is about one thing and one thing only: Replacing Andrew Whitworth going forward.
Los Angeles Rams offensive tackle Joe Noteboom contract details
With Whitworth almost certainly heading towards retirement, this move is all about replacing him internally. Yes, $40 million for an offensive tackle with only 17 career starts is a bit much, but the Rams would rather be safe than sorry. Since they used a third-round pick on Noteboom four years ago out of TCU, the Rams know what they have in him, so that mitigates the risk to some extent.
Ultimately, the Rams have the blessings to do whatever they want this offseason. They just won the Super Bowl and their first since 1999. By earning the benefit of the doubt, they can be a little decadent here and overpay for a largely unproven offensive tackle. Only time will tell if Noteboom can hold a candle to the future Pro Football Hall of Famer that is Whitworth, but we will soon see.
This was a proactive signing made by the Rams brass, one that hopefully works out for them.