How Does Kevin Dotson Extension Affect Rams' Cap Space?

The Los Angeles Rams may have made their biggest splash of the offseason, re-signing guard Kevin Dotson. Do they have the cap space to make other big moves this offseason?

Los Angeles Rams right guard Kevin Dotson saved the offensive line from spiraling into uncertainty ahead of the 2023 season. His expiring contract at the end of the season threw the unit’s continuity and effectiveness back into doubt.

The Rams were quick to rectify the hole he’d potentially leave in the offensive line. They re-signed him to a three-year deal worth $48 million, ensuring their breakout in the trenches remains in Los Angeles.

However, every move has a price, and with an average annual value of $16 million, Dotson’s deal put a dent in the Rams’ cap space ahead of free agency. Where does Los Angeles’ cap situation stand in the days before free agency begins?

Dec 31, 2023; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; Los Angeles Rams running back Kyren Williams (23) scores a rushing touchdown as Los Angeles Rams guard Kevin Dotson (69) blocks New York Giants linebacker Bobby Okereke (58) during the second half at MetLife Stadium / Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports

After the Dotson deal, the Rams have almost exactly $29 million in cap space, per Over the Cap. This ranks 16th in the NFL, nearly equidistant from the Minnesota Vikings ($37.1 million, 15th) and the New York Jets ($20.7 million, 17th).

It is worth noting that six teams are still operating with negative cap space. Additionally, teams like the Vikings, Atlanta Falcons, Las Vegas Raiders, and New England Patriots may find themselves paying for the services of a veteran quarterback like Kirk Cousins or Baker Mayfield, shrinking (if not eliminating) the advantages they’d have over Los Angeles.

As Jourdan Rodrigue reported, general manager Les Snead may be able to pry open additional space, too. Offensive lineman Joe Noteboom no longer figures to be a part of the team’s plans up front – at least not as a starter. Using him as the Rams' primary backup offensive lineman and taking advantage of his versatility is a likely option, though it would come with a restructuring, which would return up to $9.25 million in cap space.

They may also choose to release him. That move, presumably with a post-June 1 designation, would carry a $5 million dead cap charge but save $15 million.

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The Rams have the 25th-most cap space for the 2025 season, but potential restructures, trades, and releases to aging veterans render this a non-concern, at least for now. 

Snead has stared cap hell in the face and came out victorious, and the Dotson contract hasn’t put them anywhere close to the precariousness of the team’s Super Bowl run.

Los Angeles is in a win-now window but is healthy enough to make additional significant moves in free agency, even if the Dotson extension takes them out of the market for this year’s biggest stars. With their balance of high-profile veterans and emerging young stars, the Rams can feel secure about their financial obligations.