Re-Signing Breakout Offensive Lineman Kevin Dotson Key for Rams This Offseason

Retaining right guard Kevin Dotson has to be at the forefront of the offseason priorities for the Los Angeles Rams this offseason.

The Los Angeles Rams blew by preseason expectations and returned to the postseason in 2023 because of a mix of impact veterans -- quarterback Matthew Stafford, defensive tackle Aaron Donald, and receiver Cooper Kupp.

That also includes young breakout stars, such as receiver Puka Nacua, running back Kyren Williams, and defensive tackle Kobie Turner. 

But one of the team's most valuable players in 2023 was right guard Kevin Dotson, who was acquired in a late-August trade with the Pittsburgh Steelers. 

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Dotson is set to become a free agent this offseason, and making sure he returns should be of utmost importance for general manager Les Snead and coach Sean McVay. 

In his first season with the Rams, the 6-foot-4, 321-pound lineman produced an impressive 85.2 grade from Pro Football Focus. Dotson was the No. 2 overall graded offensive guard in 2023, according to PFF. The only guard that ranked above him was Chris Lindstrom of The Atlanta Falcons. 

Dotson was particularly impressive as a run blocker, earning an 88.3 grade in that aspect of his game. There's no doubt that contributed to the aforementioned breakout for Williams, who rushed for 1,144 yards and 12 touchdowns in his second NFL season, averaging five yards a carry. 

The Rams are currently slated to have $29 million in cap space to work with this offseason, meaning signing Dotson to a long-term deal and lowering his cap number would probably be the wisest move in terms of being able to build out the rest of the roster. 

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Using the franchise tag on Dotson could also be a consideration, albeit a pricy one. Perhaps the Rams would like to see Dotson replicate what he did in 2023 a second time before giving the 27-year-old a multi-year pact. 

One area of note if they go that route is that offensive guards don't have their own franchise tag price, all offensive linemen have one value each year. The franchise tag value for offensive linemen in 2023 was $18.24 million.