The Los Angeles Rams have lost several key players in free agency over the last few years, including Von Miller, Matt Gay, Darious Williams, Austin Corbett and Ogbonnia Okoronkwo. Les Snead and Sean McVay often focus on keeping their own free agents before looking at outside options, and that should remain the case in 2024.
One player who should be a top priority in free agency next year is Kevin Dotson. He’ll become a free agent in March and given the way he’s played this season, he’s going to command a sizable contract from someone, whether it’s the Rams or another team.
Pro Football Focus released its list of the top 50 free agents for 2024 and Dotson came in at No. 23. PFF projected his contract, as well, putting him in the range of being one of the top-paid guards in football with a deal worth $69 million for four years, including $41.25 million guaranteed.
Dotson was traded from the Pittsburgh Steelers to the Los Angeles Rams this offseason, and what first appeared like an odd fit should have instead been a signal that head coach Sean McVay was reinventing his offense to much success in 2023. McVay has pivoted from a wide-zone rushing attack to a heavy gap scheme, and Dotson has been a picture-perfect fit. He has always been a strong pass protector, which has carried over, as well.
Snead and McVay deserve a ton of credit for acquiring Dotson from the Steelers before the season began because it’s a trade that’s worked out brilliantly for Los Angeles. Dotson took over as the starting right guard in Week 4 and has played at a high level ever since.
According to Pro Football Focus, Dotson has the 11th-highest grade of any lineman and the third-highest among all guards, so he’s established himself as one of the best interior linemen in the NFL.
The Rams are projected to have $43 million in cap space next year, so they’ll have the room to retain Dotson. Whether they want to pay up to keep him or give a player such as Logan Bruss or Tremayne Anchrum Jr. a shot to start next year remains to be seen.
