One of the more pressing tasks of the Los Angeles Rams’ offseason was going to be rebuilding an offensive line that performed well in 2023 but was on the fast track to free agency. Center Coleman Shelton has already opted out, and right guard Kevin Dotson’s breakout preceded a contract year, generally a precursor to a bidding war.
The Rams have the resources to compete with other teams on the open market. With Dotson, though, they won’t have to.
On Thursday, Los Angeles reportedly extended Dotson to a three-year deal worth $48 million.
Now, that deal is official, with the Rams announcing the signing on Wednesday afternoon.
Dotson was acquired late in the summer from the Pittsburgh Steelers for a swap of Day 3 picks. General manager Les Snead was hoping to add another option to the revolving door of lineman Los Angeles projected to start.
Instead, they got a star. Per Pro Football Focus’ grading, Dotson was the second-best guard in football, behind only Atlanta Falcons right guard Chris Lindstrom. He was the third-highest-graded interior offensive lineman. Only four qualified offensive linemen ranked higher.
Don’t just take PFF’s word for it – the Rams’ offer is more than telling about how they feel about Dotson.
At $16 million per season, Dotson slides in as the fourth-highest-paid right guard annually (per Over the Cap). Simply put, he played like an elite talent and got paid like one.
Dotson, 27, blossomed as a run blocker this season, taking him from a one-dimensional lineman to one of the best in the sport. It’s also worth noting that he committed just two penalties, a career-low despite playing far fewer snaps in 2020 and 2021. In 2022, he committed 12 penalties in 1,160 offensive snaps.
This season was also Dotson’s first on the right side, with virtually all of his previous professional experience coming at left guard. That versatility is certainly a positive, but Los Angeles won’t be moving him off of right guard anytime soon.
The only precaution regarding Dotson’s on-field talent is the amount of trust being put into a one-year breakout. However, his fit in head coach Sean McVay’s offense and the performance he put on tape this season should have fans optimistic about his trajectory.
More must-reads: