Tue. Mar 10th, 2026
Noah Cobb loan
Noah Cobb, an unused sub against Club Tijuana. Photo Credit: Spencer Baldwin

Commerce City, CO – Colorado Rapids have officially exercised the purchase option on Noah Cobb as part of his loan from Atlanta United FC, the clubs announced Tuesday. In exchange, Atlanta receives $275,000 in 2026 General Allocation Money (GAM) and $250,000 in 2027 GAM. Burgundy Wave had previously reported the purchase option was at $500,000 GAM. There is also a sell-on percentage and performance incentives up to $250,000 GAM.

Cobb remains on his contract signed with Atlanta, making just over $100,000 a year, signed through 2026 with a team option for 2027. Cobb made four starts for the Rapids and impressed as a sweeper and aerial threat in a back three. He then went off to the U-20 World Cup. The 20-year-old made one appearance, scoring a goal for the USYNT in the tournament. If he hadn’t gone off to Chile, maybe he helps secure the backline and the Rapids make the playoffs.

Between feedback from sources, the eye test, and the reaction from ATLUTD fans, the Rapids underpaid for him. He escaped the expensive dumpster fire that was the 2025 Atlanta United season. He’s good in the air. He provided recovery speed better than any Burgundy Boy since Moïse Bombito. He’s getting better at possession and progressive passing. He’s young and relatively inexpensive. He won’t make or break the 2026 season, but he’s a good building block.

Cobb is an exciting young center back talent who could be in the mix to start next to Rob Holding in 2026. Colorado has an exciting corp of central defenders now between Cobb, Lucas Herrington, Ian Murphy, and Rapids 2’s Charlie Harper. Surely one of them will be a viable starter this coming season, even if a veteran is added to the position.

Rob Holding LAFC
Rob Holding plays on Decision Day for Colorado Rapids against LAFC without Noah Cobb. Photo Credit: Spencer Baldwin

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