LA Rams history is not on the side of Kevin Dotson's return

When it comes to some positions, the LA Rams have no problem sitting down to negotiate a new contract extension. But when it comes to interior offensive linemen, the Rams have not been too quick to do so. In fact, when it comes to offensive guards, the Rams have shown a willingness to allow veterans on expiring contracts to test their worth in the NFL Free Agency market.

And that track history could pose a problem for Rams veteran interior offensive lineman Kevin Dotson.

It's not as though the Rams do not extend any offensive linemen. they do. Even with very little money to spend, the Rams did extend center Coleman Shelton one year ago. And the year before that, the LA Rams extended both Brian Allen (center) and Joe Noteboom (offensive tackle). So extending offensive linemen is certainly not out of the question.

But when the player has lined up at the offensive guard position, it's as though the Rams have no stomach or interest in offering an extension. Or if they do, the terms are far below the fair market value for that player. Let's take a look at the history of the LA Rams free agency activity since GM Les Snead and HC Sean McVay have paired up:

In the past five seasons, only players who had enough versatility to play as an offensive center were extended, and even that was not a hard and fast rule. But the Rams front office has been particularly hesitant to wade into any bidding wars over an offensive guard who commands a highly compensated contract. That has happened twice in the past five years, and the LA Rams front office balked when it came time to ante up for either Rodger Saffold or Austin Corbett, both players coming off a Super Bowl season.

Is the third time the charm? Both Kevin Dotson and many Rams fans who want him back in horns for the 2024 NFL season certainly hope so. His return would certainly be a solid step in the right direction, as he helped the Rams to finish the 2023 NFL season with a record of 7-1.

The Rams have sufficient funds to pay the man, as long as the price does not get completely out of hand. And the Rams offensive line would be projected among the NFL's Top-10 units if he was entrenched as the Rams starting RG for 2024.

There is one hiccup though. The Rams simply have not showed any interest in retaining starting offensive guards, no matter who or how good they may have been in the past. And quite honestly, I'm not convinced that two SB appearances in the last six seasons will compel the Rams to try a new approach for 2024.