Fittipaldo: Steelers Get More Value Out Of Trading Kevin Dotson Than Keeping Him

The Pittsburgh Steelers made it pretty clear in the 2023 offseason that the organization was looking for better play from their guards (specifically on the left side) than they had gotten in 2022. The team brought in Nate Herbig and hot commodity Isaac Seumalo in free agency essentially ending former fourth-round pick Kevin Dotson's tenure in Pittsburgh. The team officially parted ways with Dotson on Sunday night sending him to the Los Angeles Rams, while also swapping some draft picks. 

Steelers insider for the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, Ray Fittipaldo joined host Cristopher Carter on the North Shore Drive Podcast to break down why this deal made sense for the team. Fittipaldo said that the writing was on the wall for Dotson, as the team went on a spending spree in free agency at his position. 

"One of the reasons Dotson lost value was because when he's not a starter, he's not really a guy that you're going to dress on game days," he said. "He only plays guard. When [Nate] Herbig is healthy, and it seems this injury isn't going to linger, in two weeks he's good to go and that's why they made this move."

He continued that Herbig would be the primary backup for both the guard and center positions, which leaves Dotson as a third-stringer. Rookie Spencer Anderson has played nearly every spot on the line in college and preseason. He might not have the kind of pro experience that Dotson does, but that versatility could make him more valuable as a backup. 

Kendrick Green is another possible interior line backup and he plays both guard and center. Head Coach Mike Tomlin didn't seem too thrilled with the former starting center's play in the second preseason game against the Buffalo Bills. Tomlin's displeasure with Green in the preseason might make him a roster cut. 

The other aspect that Fittipaldo said was part of the trade, but probably not the end-all be-all, was getting a little bit of cap relief. According to The Athletic's Mark Kaboly, the team gets $2.75 million in savings. Fittipaldo said that was not a necessary thing, but it is nice to have that little extra cushion. 

Carter added that it was a nice piece of business for General Manager, Omar Khan to be able to pick up some draft capital for Dotson who was in the last year of his rookie deal and would likely not be renewed at the end of the 2023 season. 

Steelers Acquisition Of Seumalo Made Dotson Expendable

Fittipaldo noted that when Green was drafted, his specialty was seen to be as a run blocker. He said that while Green has been okay in that area, he doesn't have the ability that Seumalo has. He mentioned to Carter that the former Philadephia Eagles lineman has been noticeable in some of the preseason highlights circulating on social media. 

The other aspect that Seumalo brings to the table that Dotson didn't, is the ability to make players around him better. Fittipaldo said that is a trait that Dotson, as a "replacement level player," just didn't bring to the table. Seumalo is a well-respected veteran around the league, and Dotson was a nice surprise who turned into a capable, but unspectacular starter for 30 games over three seasons.

Dotson could see his time coming to an end. He told the Three Point Stance podcast, presented by SteelerNation, back in May that he'd be fine with ending up with a new organization. He will have more opportunity with the Rams going into a contract year to prove that he still deserves a starting spot on an NFL roster. He definitely wouldn't have had that opportunity in Pittsburgh. 

So, Steeler Nation, what did you think of the Dotson trade? Do you agree with Fittipaldo that it seemed inevitable that he was on his way out the door? Comment below!

#SteelerNation