The Los Angeles Rams have officially signed right guard Kevin Dotson to a three-year contract.

The Los Angeles Rams have successfully prevented right guard Kevin Dotson from entering free agency by reaching a contract extension with him ahead of the open market.

One of the primary concerns for the Los Angeles Rams this offseason was to address the impending free agency of several key members of their offensive line, which had performed admirably in the 2023 season. Already, center Coleman Shelton has decided to opt out, and right guard Kevin Dotson’s impressive performance has put him in a position for a potentially lucrative contract in his contract year, often leading to intense bidding wars.

Fortunately for the Rams, they possess the financial means to compete with other teams in the open market. However, with Dotson’s extension, they have managed to avoid such a scenario altogether.

The Los Angeles Rams have officially confirmed the signing of Kevin Dotson to a three-year contract worth $48 million. This announcement comes after reports emerged on Thursday regarding the extension, solidifying Dotson’s future with the team.

Dotson was acquired by the Los Angeles Rams late in the summer through a trade with the Pittsburgh Steelers, involving a swap of Day 3 picks. General manager Les Snead’s intention was to bolster the team’s offensive line options, aiming to address the frequent rotation of linemen that the Rams anticipated starting.

Kevin Dotson exceeded expectations after joining the Los Angeles Rams, emerging as a standout performer. According to Pro Football Focus’ grading, Dotson ranked as the second-best guard in the NFL, just behind Chris Lindstrom of the Atlanta Falcons. He also ranked as the third-highest-graded interior offensive lineman, with only four qualified offensive linemen ahead of him.

The Rams’ significant contract offer to Dotson speaks volumes about their confidence in his abilities. With an annual salary of $16 million, Dotson becomes the fourth-highest-paid right guard in the league, as per Over the Cap. This substantial contract reflects his elite performance on the field.

At 27 years old, Dotson showcased his development as a run blocker, elevating his game from being one-dimensional to one of the premier talents in his position. Notably, he committed only two penalties throughout the season, a significant improvement compared to his previous seasons despite playing fewer snaps. In 2022, Dotson committed 12 penalties in 1,160 offensive snaps.

Furthermore, this season marked Dotson’s transition to playing on the right side of the offensive line, having primarily played at left guard in his previous professional experience. While his versatility is commendable, the Rams have no intention of moving him from his right guard position, indicating their confidence in his ability to excel in that role.