The Los Angeles Rams extended both Joe Noteboom and Brian Allen in 2022 when their rookie contracts expired, rewarding both of them for their contributions over the previous four years. Noteboom was viewed as the starting left tackle, while Allen earned himself the center job after playing well in 2021.
Neither player was a full-time starter last season, however. Allen was subsequently cut this offseason and Noteboom could be in danger of
suffering a similar fate. With a $20 million cap hit, he’s the team’s fourth-most expensive player in 2024 – not a title you want attached to a backup lineman.
Les Snead spoke with reporters on Wednesday and said the Rams are trying to figure out a “win-win” that allows Noteboom to remain in Los Angeles. Translation: They’re most likely asking him to take a pay cut.
If the Rams release Noteboom now, they’ll only save $5 million of his $20 million cap hit. If they designate him a post-June 1 cut, they’ll save $15 million, but only because his dead cap charge will be spread out over the next two years rather than just hitting the 2024 cap.
Additionally, if they make him a post-June 1 cut, they won’t get the cap savings until, well, June. That puts them in a tricky spot because they’d like to have the money now so that they can spend it in free agency.
Noteboom does carry value for the Rams thanks to his position versatility, showing the ability to play every position except center. He’s just not very durable, and when he has played, he’s struggled a bit, too.
