So, should Kevin Dotson be the first Ram extended?

So, should Kevin Dotson be the first Ram extended? There is an article posted at Chronicles that recommends that very thing with good arguments to support it. Rams have so many contract decisions coming up and I’m sure that they have a plan. But it all starts with an effective OL. Even this Ram offense is crippled if we have a weak OL. So maybe it’s the first building block for Snead? Prices have gone through the roof on virtually all positions now, so Rams inevitably will have to make excruciating decisions to let high quality players walk. At this point they simply must get the very most bang for their buck until the money runs out. Rams are set for 2026, of course, but they’ve gotta be thinking of 2027 and beyond. And they must continue finding gems that other teams are missing in the draft, FA, and trades. I see Dotson, Puka, and Turner as ‘must have’ extensions. Young would be great if they can find the money, too. All others, unfortunately, are at risk because of this cap. It’s gonna be a supreme test for Ram FO to make the best decisions possible. And I think they’ll start with Dotson.https://ramsrule.com/herd/read.php?19,1244698,1244698#msg-1244698Tue, 18 Aug 2026 06:37:23 -0400 Phorum 5.2.18 https://ramsrule.com/herd/read.php?19,1244698,1245015#msg-1245015 Re: Dotson and Turner equallyhttps://ramsrule.com/herd/read.php?19,1244698,1245015#msg-1245015

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LMU93
I think Turner and Dotson equally.

On Dotson, he does not turn 30 until a couple weeks into this season. And he also has less tread on his tires (6 seasons, 90 total games played to date) since he came in as an older rookie. So I think securing him solidly through 2028, and perhaps 2029, makes great sense.

Turner is an anchor and leader of this defense and has more than earned his extension.

I think that both of those guys, along with Puka, are 100% certain to be extended.

After those 3, though, it gets a little murky.]]> Rams_43 RamsFootballFans.comThu, 02 Jul 2026 13:25:53 -0400 https://ramsrule.com/herd/read.php?19,1244698,1245003#msg-1245003 Dotson and Turner equallyhttps://ramsrule.com/herd/read.php?19,1244698,1245003#msg-1245003
On Dotson, he does not turn 30 until a couple weeks into this season. And he also has less tread on his tires (6 seasons, 90 total games played to date) since he came in as an older rookie. So I think securing him solidly through 2028, and perhaps 2029, makes great sense.

Turner is an anchor and leader of this defense and has more than earned his extension.]]> LMU93 RamsFootballFans.comThu, 02 Jul 2026 10:22:06 -0400 https://ramsrule.com/herd/read.php?19,1244698,1244897#msg-1244897 Re: FOR SUREhttps://ramsrule.com/herd/read.php?19,1244698,1244897#msg-1244897

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BerendsenRam
Kevin Dotson is Excellent & one of my favorite players! GO RAMS!

KDot is an awesome dude and a great player too. He immediately made our OL better! I think he really enjoys being a Ram too. Why else would he dye hist hair like the Rams helmet???

BTW, notice he used a full un-neutered horn?!?!?!

]]> Ramsdude RamsFootballFans.comTue, 30 Jun 2026 17:03:59 -0400 https://ramsrule.com/herd/read.php?19,1244698,1244896#msg-1244896 Re: FOR SUREhttps://ramsrule.com/herd/read.php?19,1244698,1244896#msg-1244896 BerendsenRam RamsFootballFans.comTue, 30 Jun 2026 16:51:00 -0400 https://ramsrule.com/herd/read.php?19,1244698,1244792#msg-1244792 FOR SUREhttps://ramsrule.com/herd/read.php?19,1244698,1244792#msg-1244792 ferragamo79 RamsFootballFans.comSun, 28 Jun 2026 21:06:40 -0400 https://ramsrule.com/herd/read.php?19,1244698,1244744#msg-1244744 Re: So, should Kevin Dotson be the first Ram extended?https://ramsrule.com/herd/read.php?19,1244698,1244744#msg-1244744
1. Yes, Dotson is better than Avila but only by a slim margin. According to PFF Dotson was the #3 guard in the NFL while Avila was #9. I also think that this is probably true when I watched the games last year. I mean that the PFF grades match what my eyes saw. So, it's a toss up in my opinion for resigning because I think Avila still does have upside in him, whereas Dotson is probably at his peak. So do you sign Dotson for a 3 year contract or do you lock up a younger Avila with even more potential with a longer term contract?

2. RT is pretty much set with McClendon. I have to admit that McClendon really improved leaps and bounds over the course of the season according to my eye-balls anyway.

3. LT is a bit of a question mark going forward because of his legal issues and blood clots. For the legal issues the accusation has already been dropped from felony charges to a misdemeanor charge. I think in the long run this means that Jackson plays this year, minus 2 games or something like this. Even this hurts of course but are you going to go out and get somebody better than Jackson because of this? I don't think so. However, for next year the Rams might say "enough is a enough" and try to replace him. This is already the 2nd time this type of incident has happened, so he is obviously not hanging out with the "right" kind of people.

4. And finally, everyone's bugaboo, the center position. Shelton is a very reliable center, he's also a good line play caller or adjuster, but as for overall grade he is very mediocre. Will the Rams try to upgrade this position going forward? I doubt it really, the salary cap calls for a reliable mediocre center, that's all. It's just the Rams blueprint at this position. By the way, he was rated as the 13th best center in 2025 by PFF. Pretty middle of the pack.]]> Singapore Ram RamsFootballFans.comSat, 27 Jun 2026 23:23:28 -0400 https://ramsrule.com/herd/read.php?19,1244698,1244718#msg-1244718 Dotson has outperformed Avilahttps://ramsrule.com/herd/read.php?19,1244698,1244718#msg-1244718
Doing that by the way gives the Rams 2 OL being paid, those being Jackson and Dotson. I figure the Rams may be willing to go to 3 OL being paid, but I don't think that's a sure thing.

So looking at the remainder you have LG (Avila), C (Shelton), and RT (McClendon). I don't think it is wise to lock up Avila, as his play has been inconsistent so what's gonna happen when he gets the bag. I don't think it's wise to lock up Shelton, as he's a liability when defensive fronts isolate him. This leaves McClendon, who played well for us in a one season gig last year, but the Rams have been burned prior with Noteboob who showed well in limited action but couldn't handle the weight of defensive gameplanning as the dude.

Translation is I agree Dotson's the only OL who warrants an in-season extension, particularly if it's early in the season or even prior to it. If McClendon plays well throughout 2026 and stays healthy then sure, lock him up before the playoffs or whatever.]]> merlin RamsFootballFans.comSat, 27 Jun 2026 14:54:09 -0400 https://ramsrule.com/herd/read.php?19,1244698,1244717#msg-1244717 Re: AJ's CAPhttps://ramsrule.com/herd/read.php?19,1244698,1244717#msg-1244717

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AlbaNY_Ram
With AJ there are so many unknowns it's hard to guess what will happen. But just to look at a few scenarios ...

What if the NFL does nothing? Best case scenario, the Rams have their LT locked up for the next 2 years and can concentrate on 2027 and the other 4 OL positions.

What if the NFL suspends Jackson and his actions are determined to violate the conduct clauses in his contract? The Rams could terminate his contract and at least get out from under his salary, roster bonus, and per game bonuses in '26 and '27. This would free up nearly $40M in cap space. The Rams could also try to recoup the prorated signing bonuses for '26 & '27 and if they are successful in that they would get another $10M in cap relief. $40M or $50M over 2 years would go a long ways towards paying Decker to play LT.

What if the NFL suspends Jackson and his actions aren't considered a violation of the conduct clause (or they are a violation but the Rams opt not to terminate his contract). In some ways this is the worst case scenario. The Rams would either:
1.) play someone already on the roster at LT for what could be a 6 game suspension, weakening the LT spot while also thinning out their depth. They would probably sign a FA LT on the cheap just to have a body and we will all hold out collective breaths for 6 weeks.
2.) sign someone like Decker or trade for a quality LT (while keeping AJ on the books), and either move would diminish their ability to restock the team next year by eating up additional cap space or draining even more draft capital. Or both.

Agree with all that. So many different directions this can go for the Rams and AJ. Could be suspended or have no punishment at all.

Having said that, this is not the first time AJ has been in trouble. Is this a trend? Is it something we have to worry about every year? Also, don't forget about his "blood clot" issues too.

That's a lot of uncertainty at the most important position on the OL and I am sure the Rams are looking at this from every angle...as they should.

Even if AJ's issue works itself out, we still have to prepare for the other 4 OL FA's next year. 3 if you are confident that Trost can jump right in and play at a high level and I am a little less confident in that happening than some might be.

The next 2 years are VERY important in our chances of getting another ring and it all depends on the OL playing at a very high level.

The Rams have some very serious decisions to make very soon. Should be interesting to see what they do.]]> Ramsdude RamsFootballFans.comSat, 27 Jun 2026 14:44:17 -0400 https://ramsrule.com/herd/read.php?19,1244698,1244716#msg-1244716 Re: AJ's CAPhttps://ramsrule.com/herd/read.php?19,1244698,1244716#msg-1244716
What if the NFL does nothing? Best case scenario, the Rams have their LT locked up for the next 2 years and can concentrate on 2027 and the other 4 OL positions.

What if the NFL suspends Jackson and his actions are determined to violate the conduct clauses in his contract? The Rams could terminate his contract and at least get out from under his salary, roster bonus, and per game bonuses in '26 and '27. This would free up nearly $40M in cap space. The Rams could also try to recoup the prorated signing bonuses for '26 & '27 and if they are successful in that they would get another $10M in cap relief. $40M or $50M over 2 years would go a long ways towards paying Decker to play LT.

What if the NFL suspends Jackson and his actions aren't considered a violation of the conduct clause (or they are a violation but the Rams opt not to terminate his contract). In some ways this is the worst case scenario. The Rams would either:
1.) play someone already on the roster at LT for what could be a 6 game suspension, weakening the LT spot while also thinning out their depth. They would probably sign a FA LT on the cheap just to have a body and we will all hold out collective breaths for 6 weeks.
2.) sign someone like Decker or trade for a quality LT (while keeping AJ on the books), and either move would diminish their ability to restock the team next year by eating up additional cap space or draining even more draft capital. Or both.]]> AlbaNY_Ram RamsFootballFans.comSat, 27 Jun 2026 14:08:20 -0400 https://ramsrule.com/herd/read.php?19,1244698,1244714#msg-1244714 Re: well........https://ramsrule.com/herd/read.php?19,1244698,1244714#msg-1244714
The start of a great OL run in 1973

Cowan 35
Iman 34
Scbilli 34
Mack 30
Schuh 31

In the wings starters

Saul 22 Drafted 70 started in 75
France 22 Drafted 75 started 76
Harrah 22 Drafted 75 started 76
Slater 23 Drafted 76 started 79
Hill 22 Drafted 79 started in 79l

So:
Those guys original lineman played a long time
together as a unit
It's really hard to find great replacements
Plug and play don't always work

Just ask #39
Bad drafts
Poor personnel choices
A career that could have been so much more]]> Arkansas Ram RamsFootballFans.comSat, 27 Jun 2026 14:04:57 -0400 https://ramsrule.com/herd/read.php?19,1244698,1244712#msg-1244712 AJ's CAPhttps://ramsrule.com/herd/read.php?19,1244698,1244712#msg-1244712

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AlbaNY_Ram

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Ramsdude
Speaking of AJ's issues, do we even want to resign him knowing his history or would it be better to sign Decker, or similar, now and just move on?

So AJ is the only one signed past this year and he is possible trouble right now. Do we have to start re-thinking AJ as a Ram beyond 2026?

According to Overthecap AJ is set to make some money. I know we have to play him this year but can we get out of contract ifhis legal issues continue or get worse?

link

[attachment 15435 1.png]

I could see Trost helping at guard if needed but I cannot say just yet if he has a future there and we will still have to address the position and other OL positions too before next year.

I know Trost is getting some "hype" since being Drafted but I will believe it once I see it. Playing OL in College is not even close to playing OL in the Pros. Even the most talented can struggle at first so if he has to play, how will he do?]]> Ramsdude RamsFootballFans.comSat, 27 Jun 2026 13:02:28 -0400 https://ramsrule.com/herd/read.php?19,1244698,1244711#msg-1244711 Re: Great post and questionhttps://ramsrule.com/herd/read.php?19,1244698,1244711#msg-1244711

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Ramsdude
Speaking of AJ's issues, do we even want to resign him knowing his history or would it be better to sign Decker, or similar, now and just move on?

AJ is already signed for '27 and '28. It's the other 4 OL who are FA's after this season - Avila, Shelton, Dotson, and McClendon.

I think the Rams would love iit if Trost shows that he can play LG in the NFL. I can see them resigning Dotson and McClendon, having Trost take over for Avila, and finding a new center (whether that be Limmer, Dedich, or someone not currently on the team).

I suspect that if Avila signs somewhere else the Rams will get a comp pick and that probably factors in to the decision.]]> AlbaNY_Ram RamsFootballFans.comSat, 27 Jun 2026 12:28:31 -0400 https://ramsrule.com/herd/read.php?19,1244698,1244705#msg-1244705 Great post and questionhttps://ramsrule.com/herd/read.php?19,1244698,1244705#msg-1244705

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Rams_43
There is an article posted at Chronicles that recommends that very thing with good arguments to support it.

Rams have so many contract decisions coming up and I’m sure that they have a plan.

But it all starts with an effective OL. Even this Ram offense is crippled if we have a weak OL. So maybe it’s the first building block for Snead?

Prices have gone through the roof on virtually all positions now, so Rams inevitably will have to make excruciating decisions to let high quality players walk. At this point they simply must get the very most bang for their buck until the money runs out.

Rams are set for 2026, of course, but they’ve gotta be thinking of 2027 and beyond. And they must continue finding gems that other teams are missing in the draft, FA, and trades.

I see Dotson, Puka, and Turner as ‘must have’ extensions. Young would be great if they can find the money, too.

All others, unfortunately, are at risk because of this cap. It’s gonna be a supreme test for Ram FO to make the best decisions possible.

And I think they’ll start with Dotson.

For me, YES! We should 100% extend Dotson. He's been playing well. Fits the McVay system and loves being a Ram. As you said, the OL is the most important part of offensive success.

Having said that, I brought up in another thread how 4 of 5(?) OL will be set for FA after this year and feel we need to address it sooner rather than later.

Now, would the Rams let the season play out, win the SB and then re-evaluate the OL situation thinking it would be less important AFTER winning a SB? I could see that happening too.

It all starts in the trenches. If we cannot protect Stafford and give him time to throw, it won't matter who are WR's and TE's are. Maybe that makes extending Dotson and securing the OL more important that resigning some other players right now.

After the season, priorities will change depending on the outcome of the season. Who will get paid and who won't get paid. So right now, in an All In year, you focus on keeping this OL ready for THIS season and that might mean going out and signing another LT like Decker due to AJ's issues.

Speaking of AJ's issues, do we even want to resign him knowing his history or would it be better to sign Decker, or similar, now and just move on?

Either way, our OL situation will need to be addressed. When that happens is the big question.]]> Ramsdude RamsFootballFans.comSat, 27 Jun 2026 10:50:53 -0400 https://ramsrule.com/herd/read.php?19,1244698,1244703#msg-1244703 Re: Dotson 30, Avila 27.https://ramsrule.com/herd/read.php?19,1244698,1244703#msg-1244703

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den-the-coach
Dotson will be 30 in September, Avila 27 in October. I concur, I would extend Dotson as he seems to be the leader and has been very durable, however, Avila offers quite a bit too. I believe Trost was drafted to be the LG come next season I am also not so sure they extend Turner, but we shall see.

I will be stunned if Turner is not among the extended even though his market price is soaring. He brings too much off the field value to the team above and beyond his excellent on field play. I think he is the leader on that D and that’s really saying something considering the talent now on that side of the ball.

Such players are never allowed to simply walk.]]> Rams_43 RamsFootballFans.comSat, 27 Jun 2026 10:39:32 -0400 https://ramsrule.com/herd/read.php?19,1244698,1244700#msg-1244700 Dotson 30, Avila 27.https://ramsrule.com/herd/read.php?19,1244698,1244700#msg-1244700 den-the-coach RamsFootballFans.comSat, 27 Jun 2026 10:08:03 -0400 https://ramsrule.com/herd/read.php?19,1244698,1244698#msg-1244698 So, should Kevin Dotson be the first Ram extended?https://ramsrule.com/herd/read.php?19,1244698,1244698#msg-1244698
Rams have so many contract decisions coming up and I’m sure that they have a plan.

But it all starts with an effective OL. Even this Ram offense is crippled if we have a weak OL. So maybe it’s the first building block for Snead?

Prices have gone through the roof on virtually all positions now, so Rams inevitably will have to make excruciating decisions to let high quality players walk. At this point they simply must get the very most bang for their buck until the money runs out.

Rams are set for 2026, of course, but they’ve gotta be thinking of 2027 and beyond. And they must continue finding gems that other teams are missing in the draft, FA, and trades.

I see Dotson, Puka, and Turner as ‘must have’ extensions. Young would be great if they can find the money, too.

All others, unfortunately, are at risk because of this cap. It’s gonna be a supreme test for Ram FO to make the best decisions possible.

And I think they’ll start with Dotson.]]> Rams_43 RamsFootballFans.comSat, 27 Jun 2026 09:53:27 -0400