Is Kevin Dotson Rams Most Critical Free Agent Priority?

Of all of the pending free agents the Los Angeles Rams have to consider, offensive lineman Kevin Dotson might be the most important.

Coming off of a major turnaround in 2023 that included a 10-7 record and a playoff berth, the Los Angeles Rams were one of the best stories in the NFL this season. 

Unfortunately for the Rams, they also have over 25 players expected to hit the free-agent market this offseason, including a handful of key contributors.

On that list, are safety Jordan Fuller, corner Ahkello Witherspoon, offensive tackle Alaric Jackson, wide receiver Demarcus Robinson, and edge rusher Michael Hoecht.

But according to The 33rd Team, offensive lineman Kevin Dotson could be the one player the Rams simply cannot afford to lose. 

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

"The Los Angeles Rams swapped Day 3 picks with the Steelers before the 2023 season for the rights to Kevin Dotson, and that couldn't have worked out any better for Los Angeles," The 33rd Team wrote. "Dotson turned into one of the best guards in the league and was a perfect fit in Sean McVay's offense."

Currently, the Rams are set to have $24 million in cap space heading into the offseason, while Dotson (per Pro Football Focus) is projected to earn a four-year $69 million ($17.25 million APY), with $41.25 million guaranteed. 

In other words, the Rams need to be sure about their commitment to Dotson before bringing him back. 

Five Free Agents the Rams Must Prioritize

That said, Dotson provided incredible surplus value for L.A. last season, while being traded in a swap of late-round picks, but has seems to have earned the right to remain with the Rams long after his rookie contract expires.

Dotson wasn’t just the best lineman in Los Angeles this season either, he was one of the best in the sport. Keeping Stafford upright will be a priority, meaning continuity and stars up front will be necessary. 

Dotson checks both of those boxes, and because of that, likely should be the Rams' top priority this offseason.