Dotson Signing About Depth
March 29th, 2013
Yes, the Bucs inked Demar Dotson through 2016 yesterday. (No, Joe doesn’t know how many years are guaranteed.) But Joe is confident this move is about depth more than an anointing of Dotson at right tackle.
The Bucs are well aware of Dotson’s shortcomings and considering the New Schiano Order and rockstar general manager Mark Dominik are always talking about the importance of competition, surely another promising right tackle will find his way to the Bucs. Considering Dominik has only drafted one offensive lineman in four years and has said he prefers O-linemen who have shown they can adjust to the pro game, even if only in preseason, Joe’s sure Dotson’s competition/replacement will come via free agency or the waiver wire.
Bucs fans may have forgotten Dotson was the backup left tackle last season and in years past. Raheem Morris even tried to sell the media on Dotson’s ability as a starting left tackle during Donald Penn’s holdout of 2010.
Joe doesn’t doubt Dotson’s versatility, as well as his ability to continue to develop under Bob Bostad. But Joe would hardly be surprised if Dotson starts the season as the first man off the bench in case Penn or a new right tackle gets hurt.
March 29th, 2013 at 9:03 am
Since when do you pay a backup 7 million a year?
March 29th, 2013 at 9:09 am
My bad 7.5 over 4 years = 1.8 million a year. …sorry JOE ..strike first ?
March 29th, 2013 at 9:09 am
I like the Dotson signing. He may not be a starting left tackle, but he is sure a great backup.
March 29th, 2013 at 9:10 am
Which backup is getting paid $7M/year? Dotson is getting $1.25-$1.5 a year for the next 4 years.
March 29th, 2013 at 9:11 am
Zzzzzzz
March 29th, 2013 at 9:26 am
I AGREE IT’S ABOUT DEPTH.
How deep in the standings can the Bucs get?
March 29th, 2013 at 9:43 am
Now if we can figure out how to sign some starters.
March 29th, 2013 at 9:46 am
Bitter Brad strikes agian. Dotson shouldn’t be starting, but he probably will. ;(
March 29th, 2013 at 9:49 am
Dotson is definitely not a starting tackle. Would sure like to see the Bucs draft Lane Johnson if available.
March 29th, 2013 at 9:50 am
Off topic here, but Joe, draft party?
March 29th, 2013 at 9:52 am
I still think he’d make a good tight end. Maybe coming in as a 3rd tackle, announcing his eligibility like he used to. Starting tackle? No thanks.
March 29th, 2013 at 9:57 am
Sign Eric Winston for cheap. He is a durable and effective stop gap who will show veteran leadership. P.S. FIRE DOM.
March 29th, 2013 at 12:00 pm
I was thinking the same thing when I read about the extension, Joe.
I remember the offensive line beginning to struggle in the second half of last season. Even the run blocking suffered…though not as much as the pass blocking.
I really hope the Bucs manage to plug enough holes on defense this year…because I suspect we’ll need to get younger on oline in a couple spots next year.
March 29th, 2013 at 12:59 pm
Davone Bess is looking like he might become available via trade or might even be released shortly. Any interest in him as our slot receiver…?
March 29th, 2013 at 1:15 pm
I expect he will . Dom will pretend that he is negotiating for Joe Thomas, then say that negotiations fell apart. Dotson will start, and his backup will be some guy who is currently working as a bouncer.
March 29th, 2013 at 2:00 pm
I like this signing. He is just hitting his prime, got a lot if experience last year…and though he may not be starting material, he is certain a capable backup. Not to mention, having consistency on the O-line is extemely important. Good signing.