Demar

Dotson

Dotson plans to wait until after the draft before he signs. The 35-year-old made eight starts for the Broncos at right tackle last season, grading out positively (70.8) at PFF despite missing time with injuries. Dotson played 2020 at a $1.5 million salary and should return for another season at the veteran minimum.

The longtime Bucs starter had generated scant interest on the open market before the Broncos came calling over the weekend. The Broncos needed a veteran body after Ja’Wuan James opted out of the season due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Dotson appears set to slot in as RT Elijah Wilkinson’s direct backup.

Dotson has been a starter the last eight seasons in Tampa. He would give the Broncos a veteran option after Ja’Wuan James opted out. Denver currently has Garett Bolles and Elijah Wilkinson as their starting tackles.

Dotson’s nagging hamstring will apparently only keep him sidelined for one week since he’s available to play Sunday. Backup RG Earl Watford will continue starting in place of Alex Cappa (broken arm).

It’s unlikely he’ll make the trip to London for Sunday’s battle with Carolina. Jameis Winston took a season-high six sacks in Tampa Bay’s Week 5 loss to New Orleans. With Dotson and RG Alex Cappa (broken arm) gone from the equation, Winston could be under siege again in Week 6.

Dotson, who entered the game battling a calf issue, was replaced by Josh Wells. He seems likely to miss Week 6 against the Panthers.

Dotson was a late-week addition to the injury report. His absence would be terrible news against Aaron Donald and company. The Rams’ defense is in a great spot at home vs. turnover-prone Jameis Winston and company.

With Donovan Smith re-signed, it means the Bucs’ bookends will remain the same in 2019. Even at 33, Dotson remained a quality right tackle last season and should be a solid piece of Tampa’s offensive line this year. Barring an extension, Dotson will head to free agency next spring.

A college basketball player who stands in at a towering 6-foot-9, 315, Dotson appeared in 13 games last season, making two starts. LT Donald Penn and RT Jeremy Trueblood have the Bucs’ starting tackle jobs locked down, but the 26-year-old Dotson should serve as their top reserve.

Bucs coaches have been high on Dotson’s athletic ability as a former Southern Miss basketball player who stands 6-foot-9, 315. The 26-year-old held his own in 13 appearances with two starts last year, one as a jumbo tight end and another at right tackle. Pro Football Focus credited Dotson with zero sacks allowed and graded him positively as a run blocker. He may be the Bucs’ top swing tackle this year behind LT Donald Penn and RT Jeremy Trueblood.