Matt Miller, an NFL analyst for ESPN, is assessing various free agency maneuvers. The Los Angeles Rams took a significant step in free agency by re-signing Kevin Dotson to a three-year contract worth $48 million, including $32 million guaranteed.
While Miller doesn’t explicitly detail why he doesn’t rate the move more highly, he notes that it “shifts the recent paradigm for interior offensive linemen” and sets a higher standard for guaranteed money. The previous top earner, Ben Powers, received $28.5 million guaranteed last year.
This investment in the offensive side of the team comes at a time when the Rams’ primary needs are on defense. Currently, the Rams are allocating $23.3 million to over 20 defenders, excluding Aaron Donald. Even with Donald’s $34 million cap hit, the Rams rank last in the league in defensive spending.
Dotson’s contract places him as the sixth highest-paid guard in the league, though he is anticipated to drop to the seventh spot once Onwenu signs in free agency.
