Rams Free Agency: Cut Joe Noteboom, Sign Patriots Lineman Isaiah Wynn?
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The Los Angeles Rams may be in the in for a changing of the ‘tackle’ in 2023.
Following a season in which the Rams’ offensive line was riddled with injury and ineffective play, they appear to be headed for a shuffle in personnel.
In addition to a new-look coaching staff — including new offensive coordinator Mike LaFleur, tight ends coach Nick Caley and offensive line coach Ryan Wendell, the Rams also face some questions regarding key veterans at the position, including tackle Joe Noteboom.
In Michael Gallagher’s latest byline for Yardbarker, Noteboom is presented as a salary cap casualty.
Among those mentioned as a potential solution is New England Patriots tackle Isaiah Wynn.
“Noteboom allowed the second-most hits, and the third-most sacks and pressures on the team in 2022, and he played in just six games.
Rob Havenstein had a solid season and although Ty Nsekhe is 37 and a free agent, he could be brought back on a team-friendly deal. With a $15.5M cap hit, Noteboom could be the odd man out on L.A.’s offensive line.
The $8.5M the Rams would save from cutting Noteboom post-June 1 could be reinvested in another tackle. There’s also sure to be plenty of reasonably-priced free agents to think about as well including Andre Dillard, Isaiah Wynn and Riley Reiff.”
Wynn was drafted by the Patriots with the 23rd overall pick in the first round of the 2018 NFL Draft, using a pick acquired from the Rams in a trade that sent wide receiver Brandin Cooks to Los Angeles. Wynn was a member of the Patriots team which defeated Los Angeles in Super Bowl LIII.
Headed for unrestricted free agency, the ex-Georgia Bulldog seems to be a lock to continue his outside journey outside of New England in 2023. Wynn went from a solid starting left tackle to a liability at right tackle after a surprising positional switch during training camp. A foot injury, which limited him to nine games, led to a season-ending injured reserve designation. While on the field, however, Wynn allowed 17 pressures and four sacks, while committing eight penalties.
Still, Wynn is one of the more fundamentally sound tackles in the NFL, when healthy. Though a bit undersized for the position (listed at 6-3), his technique is as solid as any of his peers. At his best, Wynn has the necessary quickness and strength to win battles when going one-on-one against edge rushers, or creating openings for the running game.
His 2022 campaign was ultimately plagued by untimely penalties and pass-protection breakdowns. Wynn has the talent to improve upon his performance. However, he must address some of the on-field struggles which caused him some difficulty down the stretch in 2021. At times, he had problems with his initial push out of his stance. He also surrendered his edge more often. Normally an aggressive pass protector, Wynn was a bit slower when positioning himself on schemed pressures. By returning to a ‘strike first’ approach to protecting the run, as well as stopping pass rushers before they hit their stride, he will likely find himself in better position to provide the protection the Rams will need to effectively operate their offense.
The Rams offensive line struggled mightily in 2022, with injuries playing a major role in their decline. In addition Noteboom (Achilles), fellow Rams linemen Logan Bruss (knee), Tremayne Anchrum (fibula) and Alaric Jackson (blood clots) all suffered season ending injuries. In addition, Brian Allen (knee), David Edwards (concussion), Coleman Shelton (ankle) and Chandler Brewer (knee) all missed significant time, as well.
As a result, L.A.’s unit often featured reserves and in-season signees — including Oday Aboushi, Matt Skura, and Ty Nsekhe — rotating in and out of their starting lineup.
Though Wynn’s days in New England are seemingly over, the Patriot flavor added to the Rams’ offense may make Los Angeles an appealing destination for the veteran lineman, while he remains a cost-effective solution with the potential of yielding a high reward.
Follow Mike D’Abate on Twitter @mdabateNFL.
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