In a move that signals a continued investment in stabilizing the offensive line, the front office has announced that the team has agreed to terms with offensive tackle Joseph Noteboom. The former Los Angeles Rams lineman will bring veteran experience, championship pedigree, and positional flexibility to a unit that has been in flux in recent seasons. The signing marks a significant step in addressing a glaring need and may shape the trajectory of the offense for the upcoming season and beyond.
Joseph Noteboom, 29, spent the first six seasons of his NFL career with the Los Angeles Rams, who drafted him in the third round (89th overall) of the 2018 NFL Draft out of TCU. While he initially served in a backup role, Noteboom gradually earned the trust of the coaching staff, eventually becoming a key piece of the Rams’ Super Bowl LVI-winning team.
Noteboom’s ability to line up at both left tackle and right tackle — and even step in at guard when needed — made him a crucial utility player during his time in Los Angeles. Though he has battled some injury setbacks, including an Achilles tear in 2022, his return to form in 2023 proved that he still has what it takes to perform at a high level. The Rams’ decision to part ways with Noteboom was driven more by cap considerations and the emergence of younger linemen than any drop-off in his own performance.
Now, with a new opportunity in front of him, Noteboom is set to bring veteran leadership and skill to a team in need of trench toughness.
Over the past two seasons, the offensive line has often been described as a work in progress. Between injuries, inconsistent play, and constant shuffling, the team struggled to protect its quarterbacks and open running lanes. The result was an offense that frequently stalled in crucial moments — a trend the front office is clearly determined to reverse.
Bringing in Noteboom is a direct response to those struggles. With nearly 70 games of NFL experience, including 28 starts, he offers more than just a warm body to plug into the rotation. Noteboom has proven capable of holding his own against elite edge rushers and understanding complex pass-protection schemes — a level of competence that should raise the floor for the entire unit.
The coaching staff now has the flexibility to either slot Noteboom in as a starting tackle from day one or use him as an elite swing tackle who can step in seamlessly should injuries strike again. Either way, his presence is a major insurance policy that the team lacked last season.
Though the financial details have yet to be officially disclosed, early reports indicate that the deal is structured to be team-friendly while still rewarding Noteboom for his experience. According to sources close to the negotiations, the contract is expected to include performance incentives tied to playing time and team success, ensuring that both sides are aligned in their goals for the upcoming campaign.
The contract’s flexibility also speaks to a larger front office philosophy — one that prioritizes depth without compromising future cap space. Should Noteboom outperform expectations, the team has room to restructure or extend. Should younger players emerge and seize control of starting jobs, Noteboom can still contribute without weighing down the salary structure.
Perhaps one of the most underrated aspects of this signing is Noteboom’s potential role as a mentor. The team has invested draft capital in younger linemen who are still developing, and having a veteran like Noteboom in the room could accelerate their progress.
His familiarity with complex blocking systems, coupled with the professionalism he’s shown throughout his career, makes him an ideal figure for younger players to emulate. Whether it’s mastering the mental side of the game or simply understanding how to take care of one’s body over the grind of a 17-game season, Noteboom’s influence may pay dividends long after he hangs up his cleats.
Noteboom’s strength lies in his mobility and technique. He thrives in zone-blocking schemes where linemen are asked to move laterally and reach second-level defenders. That skill set fits nicely with the team’s offensive vision under the current coaching staff, which emphasizes versatility and speed.
At 6-foot-5 and 321 pounds, Noteboom uses leverage and hand placement rather than raw power to win matchups. That’s not to say he can’t anchor against bull rushers — he can — but his game is more about balance and anticipation. In pass protection, he has shown good footwork and awareness, rarely getting beaten by speed off the edge. His ability to mirror defenders will be especially valuable against some of the elite pass-rushers on the schedule this year.
If he starts at left tackle, he could allow other linemen to shift into their more natural spots, creating cohesion across the unit. If he ends up at right tackle or even rotating in, his presence still provides a stabilizing force that allows the offensive coordinator to expand the playbook without fear of protection breakdowns.
While the signing is a net positive, it’s not without risk. Noteboom’s injury history includes a torn ACL in 2019 and the aforementioned Achilles rupture in 2022. Durability has been an issue at times, and his availability will be something to monitor closely throughout training camp.
That said, the team’s medical staff is confident in his current health status, and Noteboom reportedly passed his physical with no issues. His performance during the second half of the 2023 season suggests that the Achilles is no longer limiting his mobility — a key benchmark for any lineman returning from such a serious injury.
Beyond the field, Noteboom is known for his quiet leadership and steady presence. He’s not a vocal rah-rah type, but teammates describe him as someone who leads by example and commands respect through his work ethic and reliability. That kind of demeanor could prove especially valuable for a team with a young locker room still figuring out how to win consistently.
Noteboom’s championship experience also means he understands what it takes to succeed at the highest level. Having played in multiple playoff games — and protected Matthew Stafford en route to a Super Bowl — he brings invaluable insight that can’t be taught in meetings or film rooms.
League insiders have praised the move as both smart and strategic. “Noteboom is one of those guys who might not make headlines but helps you win games,” said one NFC scout. “He’s reliable, he’s coachable, and he fits almost any system. That’s a rare find at this stage in free agency.”
Fan reactions have also been overwhelmingly positive. On social media, supporters have highlighted the need to protect the quarterback and praised the front office for addressing the offensive line early in the offseason. Many see the move as a sign that the team is serious about making a playoff push.
With Noteboom now in the fold, the focus shifts to how the rest of the offensive line will shake out. Training camp competitions are expected at multiple spots, and the coaching staff has emphasized that no starting job will be handed out without a fight. That competition can only be healthy, especially with a seasoned vet like Noteboom setting the tone.
The team may still explore further additions through the draft or low-cost veteran signings, but the heavy lifting appears to be done. If the goal was to solidify the trenches and provide better protection for the quarterback, this signing is a major step in the right direction.
In Joseph Noteboom, the team has added more than just a body on the offensive line — they’ve acquired experience, leadership, and flexibility. It’s a savvy move that reflects both short-term urgency and long-term planning. While questions about health and role remain, the upside far outweighs the risks.
As the season approaches, one thing is clear: the offensive line just got better. And in a league where protecting the quarterback is paramount, that could make all the difference.
