When he was traded to the Los Angeles Rams, the Pittsburgh Steelers happily separated with 2020 fourth-round pick Kevin Dotson in exchange for a few draft picks. But Dotson went on to have an elite season with the Rams, and is now one of the top guards on the market heading into free agency after a breakout season.
Pro Football Focus has Dotson projected to receive $17.25 million per year in free agency, which would make him the fourth highest-paid guard in the entire NFL behind only Chris Lindstrom, Quenton Nelson, and Zack Martin. To say the least, that’s a massive jump in what he would have received had he stayed in Pittsburgh.
“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 pivoted from a wide zone rushing attack to a heavy gap scheme, and Dotson was a picture-perfect fit. He has always been a strong pass protector, which carried over, as well,” PFF wrote.
Dotson played phenomenally during his rookie season, as he made 13 appearances and recorded four starts while not allowing a single sack. He also played a significant role on a historic offensive line that allowed just 14 total sacks all season, the franchise’s lowest mark since 1982.
He had his second season cut short after just nine games of being a full-time starter and resumed his starting role last season with a season-ending ankle injury. After his level of play declined over the past two seasons, it seems his time as a Steeler is nearing its end. This offseason, the team signed Isaac Seumalo to a three-year, $24 million contract, and he is expected to take over the starting left guard position.
Dotson played a career-high 1,160 snaps last season and was rated as the Steelers third-best starting offensive lineman (65.4) and the best overall pass blocker (77.6) on the line by PFF. Dotson is one of many former Steelers players who have played at a high level this season after leaving the team. When that happens, questions must be asked, especially with Dotson, who has seemingly looked fantastic.
