5 contracts holding Rams back right now
By Bret Stuter
I: This swing tackle is overpriced
The final contract under the microscope this time around is that of offensive tackle Joseph Noteboom. Noteboom, like Allen, signed a contract extension in 2022 with the intention that he would be able to earn and retain the starting left tackle position. And, much like Allen, injuries in the 2022 season opened the door for the team to revisit who would start for the team at left tackle in 2023.
Alaric Jackson earned the starting role at left tackle, and Noteboom was moved to right guard. But he was unable to hold that role due to another injury, and eventually lost that spot to veteran guard Kevin Dotson. Noteboom's 2024 salary cap hit comes in at $20 million, which is about $14 million too much for a swing tackle.
Please don't get me wrong. I believe that Noteboom's ability to slide into four offensive line positions to cover for an injured teammate is special enough and certainly is a role that the team needs to retain in 2024. But Noteboom's current salary was based on a presumption that he would be a starting left tackle for the team and not a guy who slides into a spot for a game or two.
And if the team is looking for dollars to use to entice IOL Kevin Dotson to return for 2024 and beyond, the funds freed up by reducing Joe Noteboom's 2024 contract to a more appropriate compensation level could be used in a compensation package to keep Dotson around as well.
The Rams have some money to spend. But the team's finances are not so robust that the team does not face some contractual challenges this offseason. We have named five contracts that pose some unique concerns this offseason. There may be more, but these stand out as five of the most glaring decision points for the front office. Can you think of any other players whose contracts may need to be revisited this offseason? Let us know on our Facebook page comments section.
And as always, thanks for reading.