10 bold predictions for LA Rams 2024 offseason

6: Rams will cut either Joe Noteboom or Brian Allen, but not both

The LA Rams did not have a lot of money to spend in 2023. and so the Rams were quite savvy at getting incredible bang for the buck last season. While overpays were few and far between, the LA Rams can be accused of overpaying swing tackle Joe Noteboom and backup center Brian Allen in 2023. Adding insult to injury, they are on track to triple their combined cost for 2024.

The Rams paid Joe Noteboom $6.5 million in 2023 to start eight games in 2023. Three of those starts were at right guard, Two starts were at left tackle. And finally, three were at right tackle. So in the grand scheme of things, his versatility made his contract a solid value for the Rams last season. Backup center Brian Allen was paid $3.05 million in 2023, and played just 29 offensive snaps.

But Noteboom is slated to make $20 million in 2024, while Allen is slated to make nearly $7.3 million. That is far excessive for the roles that either player will fill in 2024. And so, the Rams will need to lower those costs, and quickly. Ideally, the Rams will be able to renegotiate the terms of thos contracts. Because Noteboom fills a solid role as swing tackle, his 2024 salary ought to come in at $6-7 million, while Allen at backup center should be in the $2-3 million range.

I don't believe that both players will agree to accept a pay cut, and may stay firm with the belief that if they are cut they will land a new contract with a new team. I believe that the Rams will successfully renegotiate the contract to more reasonable terms with one player, and be forced to cut the other player to reallocate salary dollars.

But don't ask me which player at this point.