The Baltimore Ravens have made it clear they’re committed to reloading the offensive line after losing two key swing pieces in free agency. Drafting three linemen in the 2025 NFL Draft was a step in the right direction—but experience still matters.
They checked that final box on Saturday, signing former Los Angeles Rams tackle Joe Noteboom to a one-year deal.
Noteboom, a third-round pick in 2018, brings seven years of NFL experience and 35 career starts to Charm City. While injuries have limited his availability at times, his versatility is undeniable. He’s played both guard and tackle over his career and even stepped in as a full-time starter when needed. That flexibility should immediately fill the void left by Josh Jones and Patrick Mekari, two of the Ravens’ most trusted and versatile linemen in recent years.
Baltimore’s offensive tackle situation is fairly straightforward on paper. Ronnie Stanley and Roger Rosengarten are locked in as the starters. But as Ravens fans know all too well, the “starting five” on the offensive line is fluid. Mekari and Jones covered just about every spot during their time in Baltimore—and someone needed to be ready to take on that job. Now, it’s Noteboom’s.
Joe Noteboom's veteran depth was a must after draft-day additions
Yes, the Ravens invested heavily in the trenches this year. They drafted Emery Jones Jr. in the third round, Carson Vinson in the fifth, and Garrett Dellinger in the seventh. All three could become key contributors down the line. But asking any of them to immediately step into the swing tackle role—one that demands readiness, reliability, and versatility—would’ve been risky.
Noteboom isn’t a star, but he doesn’t need to be. He just needs to be capable and available. Even if he doesn’t start a game this year, his ability to play on either side of the line and kick inside in a pinch gives Baltimore the flexibility it desperately needs after the departures. He’s one of just a handful of active players to have started games at both tackle spots and both guard spots. There's no team in the league that values that flexibility more than the Ravens.
And given how often the Ravens employ jumbo packages with a sixth lineman, Noteboom could see plenty of action even without a full-time starting role. He might not have the long-term upside of the rookies, but on Day 1, he’s the most reliable option they’ve got... right now.
Baltimore’s rebuilt offensive line room now looks legitimately deep, flexible, and ready for anything. That’s a win—especially for a team with championship expectations in 2025.