The Rams have agreed to re-sign offensive lineman Joe Noteboom (Twitter link via NFL.com’s Ian Rapoport). The new three-year deal carries a base value of $40MM with $25MM guaranteed. Plus, through incentives, Noteboom could earn up to $47.5MM over the life of the contract.
[RELATED: Whitworth Leaning Towards Retirement]
Noteboom has served as Andrew Whitworth‘s backup for the past two seasons. He stepped in for the 40-year-old left tackle starter against the Bucs, but did not play in the NFC championship game due to a chest injury. Fortunately, he’s healthy now and ready to pick up where he left off.
The 2018 third-round pick was set to be a free agent this week, but the Rams didn’t want to let him get away. His presence could be extra critical in 2022, as Whitworth continues to contemplate retirement. Some have wondered whether Tom Brady‘s recent flip-flop could inspire the 40-year-old (41 in December) to come back for at least one more dance, but that remains to be seen.
Noteboom also offers experience at right tackle and on the interior, so he’ll be a key contributor regardless of what Whitworth decides. We should know where Whitworth stands sometime in the next couple of days as the Rams prepare for the official start of free agency.