The Los Angeles Rams may be on the verge of a major shakeup, and left tackle Joe Noteboom could find himself at the center of it. Trading Noteboom, who has been a mainstay on the offensive line, may seem like a daunting task, but it might be easier than you think.
First, Noteboom brings versatility to the table, having played multiple positions along the offensive line during his tenure with the Rams. His ability to play left tackle, left guard, and even fill in at center in emergencies makes him a valuable asset for teams seeking to bolster their offensive front. This positional flexibility means that multiple teams could find him to be a perfect fit for their line needs, increasing the pool of potential trade partners.
Second, Noteboom’s contract is relatively team-friendly, making him an attractive trade target. Though he signed a three-year, $40 million deal in 2022, the structure of the contract means that any acquiring team could get him at a reasonable cap hit. With the NFL salary cap expected to continue rising, the financial burden on a team trading for Noteboom would be manageable.
Moreover, the Rams are in the midst of a rebuild and could use the draft capital that a trade would provide. Moving Noteboom would likely net them a mid-round draft pick, which could be pivotal in their efforts to infuse the roster with young talent. With Aaron Donald’s future uncertain and the team looking to balance short-term competitiveness with long-term rebuilding, every draft pick counts.
Lastly, several teams in the league are desperate for help on the offensive line. The New York Jets, Chicago Bears, and Pittsburgh Steelers, for example, have been openly searching for reinforcements to protect their quarterbacks and improve their rushing attacks. Given these needs, dealing Joe Noteboom isn’t just feasible — it might be the smart move for both the Rams and potential suitors.
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