The Los Angeles Rams won the Super Bowl last year. However, all good things come at a cost. The cost for the Rams was the retirement of Andrew Whitworth, one of the most reliable offensive line players in league history.
Whitworth, a 16-year veteran, provided the Rams with consistent protection over the last five seasons. Joe Noteboom will take over as the team’s left tackle.
The 27-year-old will need to fill in some large shoes. However, Noteboom received compensation over the offseason, suggesting he is ready for that challenge.
The #Rams are keeping OT Joe Noteboom on a three-year deal with a base value of $40M that includes $25M guaranteed, sources say. Max value: $47.5 million. Huge deal for Noteboom, who has played LT when Andrew Whitworth is out. https://t.co/kaCV5VMT9W
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 14, 2022
Noteboom is not the only projected young starter on the offensive line. According to Jourdan Rodrigue of The Athletic, rookie Logan Bruss will compete for a starting job in camp.
Contrary to other reports, she reported that his competition is between Coleman Shelton and Tremayne Anchrum. That suggests Bobby Evans is out of the running for the starting right guard job.
As that seems to be the case, the Rams releasing Evans feels like a foregone conclusion. It also means Los Angeles would lose a veteran depth piece on the line.
Like Noteboom, center Brian Allen received a new contract this offseason. The 26-year-old will return and should be as reliable as ever after his extension.
David Edwards is only 25 and has started at left guard for his whole career. That likely won’t change this season. However, he is a free agent after the season. If he plays up to par, he probably gets an extension offer.
Where does that leave Rob Havenstein?
Havenstein is the metaphorical elder statesman of the unit at age 30. He can still play well but is coming to the end of his contract. After the season, the veteran is set to become a free agent and could sign anywhere.
With the Rams undergoing a youth movement on the line, it is unknown if the team will bring him back. One would think that the organization would at least offer him a new deal, but maybe he is not in the future visions for Los Angeles.
The Rams didn’t have an immediate replacement for Austin Corbett, but the front office let him leave in free agency. Then the team drafted Bruss, and everything seemed okay. Perhaps that will be the method used for Havenstein as well.
It is hypothetical, but the team has done that previously. If that is the case, the Rams will lose both starting tackles from its championship win over one year. Not only that, but the team will be in a full-fledged youth movement on the offensive line.
For More Great Football Content
Follow us on Twitter at @GridironHeroics for more great content. We appreciate you taking time to read our articles. To interact more with our community and keep up to date on the latest in Football news, JOIN OUR FREE FACEBOOK GROUP by CLICKING HERE
