The Broncos are officially signing veteran tackle Demar Dotson in an effort to add some depth to their offensive line unit. The deal is, according to 9News’ Mike Klis, worth up to $3 million with incentives.
The #Broncos have signed veteran RT Demar Dotson, source said. The long-time #Bucs starter, who has more than 100 starts, beefs up the Denver O-line.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) August 12, 2020
The move comes following Ja’Wuan James‘ decision to opt out of the 2020 season, which left the Broncos shallow at the tackle position. Since James opted out, the Broncos have slotted in Elijah Wilkinson as their starting right tackle. That should be the case once the season starts in September, but Dotson will have a chance to steal that starting role for himself.
The addition of Dotson gives the Broncos depth at the tackle position they desperately needed, after elevating Wilkinson to being a starter. Last season, they were unable to bench either Garett Bolles or Wilkinson, despite both struggling to perform, because they didn’t have a capable starting tackle behind him. That was evidenced down the stretch when Jake Rodgers had to fill in for Wilkinson.
Now, the Broncos will have the option to turn to the veteran, Dotson, if either Wilkinson or Bolles continue to fall short of starting expectations.
Dotson spent the first 10 years of his career with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers where he was a quality starter. Over the last three seasons, he earned an average overall grade of 70.4, allowed nine sacks. Compare that to Wilkinson, who allowed 10 sacks and earned an overall grade of 59.4 in his lone season starting for the Broncos at right tackle.
The negative with Dotson is the same one the Broncos have with Bolles. Though Dotson has never drawn has many penalties as Bolles notoriously does, he has been flagged a combined 21 times over the last two seasons.