The Green Bay Packers could really use some improvement on the offensive line. While it was once their biggest strength, the team’s O-line has failed to live up to expectations, which certainly hasn’t helped new starting quarterback Jordan Love.
If the Packers are serious about contending in the next few years and beyond, there is an opportunity for them to massively bolster the position in the 2024 free agency.
As Bleacher Report recently relayed in its free agency suggestions for all NFL teams, the Packers could target Los Angeles Rams offensive lineman Kevin Dotson.
Dotson is one of the highest-rated offensive lineman set to hit the open market, with Pro Football Focus even ranking him as the top offensive guard available. While Dotson will surely come at a price–with his contract projections at four years and $69 million–there are ways that the Packers could afford him.
The Rams star is also only 27 years old, making him an ideal fit on the team they are building around Love. Not to mention that Dotson already has some sort of connection with the Packers, having played for Sean McVay who used to have current Green Bay head coach Matt LaFleur as his offensive coordinator.
“LaFleur used to be Sean McVay’s offensive coordinator in Los Angeles and those two come from the Shanahan coaching tree, so Dotson should have some familiarity with the system in Green Bay,” the BR article stated on why the Green Bay Packers should consider signing Kevin Dotson in free agency.
“This signing might take some financial maneuvering by the Packers, as they’re estimated to have about $6.5 million in cap space to begin the offseason, per Spotrac. However, they do have a few contracts that they can get out of to save some money, most notably David Bakhtiari’s.”
Jordan Love’s protection should be a top priority for the Green Bay Packers this offseason. That’s how they were able to preserve Aaron Rodgers for a long time and allowed him to thrive. Kevin Dotson could very well be that foundational piece on their defense as they look to return to being constant playoff contenders.
Green Bay Packers Defense Also an Issue
While the offensive line is something the Green Bay Packers can address through Kevin Dotson, it’s far from the only problem that they need to address.
As every fan would know, the defense needs a lot of work, with defensive coordinator Joe Barry taking a lot of heat for how the team has performed on that end.
Of course Barry shouldn’t be blamed alone for that. They simply don’t have the tools to stay competitive defensively. The run defense is particularly suspect, having allowed 15 rushing TDs and a fourth-worst 20139 yards.
It remains to be seen what the Packers will do with their defense, but many eyes will be on them as they navigate free agency.
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