NFL free agency is up and running, and we're tracking every major signing, trade, and release for the 2022 off season with analysis from our NFL Nation journalists and our experts' grades. The new league year will begin on March 16 at 4 pm. ET, which means free-agent signing can then be made official. The first round of the 2022 NFL Draft begins April 28 on ESPN.
The Rams entered free agency with a thrilling Super Bowl LVI victory over the Cincinnati Bengals, the franchise's first Super Bowl victory since the 1999 season and its first championship since 1951 in Los Angeles. Several key players in the title run, especially outside linebacker Vaughan. Miller and receiver Odell Beckham Jr. are free agents as the cap-strapped Rams look to make it again in 2022.
The Rams also face a potential departure on the offensive line, as right guard Austin Corbett and center Brian Allen are set to be unrestricted free agents, while veteran left tackle Andrew Whitworth could retire. The Rams have another key free agent, Darius Williams, a valuable piece of his secondary, and running back Sonny Mitchell.
Here's a breakdown of each 2022 NFL free-agent signing by the Los Angeles Rams, and how each will affect the upcoming season:
Joe Notebook, Left Tackle
Offensive lineman Joe Notboom has a three-year deal to return to the Rams worth $47.5 million, including $25 million in guarantees.
What it means: With the hope that Andrew Whitworth was left to deal with, handling the notebook at one of the game's most important positions was a top priority for the Rams. After spending time on both the tackle spot and left guard over the past three seasons, Notebook has played well when given the opportunity. He was drafted to replace Whitworth. Many thought it would be quick but it seems that the time has come for notebooks.
What's at risk: While Notebook has played well, he has also struggled with injuries at times. He suffered a torn ACL and MCL in Week 6 of the 2019 season that cost him 10 games, a calf issue that kept him out of six games in 2020 and a chest problem that cost him the NFC Championship Game and Forced to sit out of the Super Bowl. last season. With a left tackle job at this hefty cost, the Rams will now need to be on the field to live up to the deal. — Nick Wagner