Broncos sign veteran Demar Dotson to shore up tackle spot

NEW ORLEANS, LA - SEPTEMBER 9: Demar Dotson #69 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers blocks Cameron Jordan #94 of the New Orleans Saints at Mercedes-Benz Superdome on September 9, 2018 in New Orleans, Louisiana. The Buccaneers defeated the Saints 48-40. (Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images)
NEW ORLEANS, LA - SEPTEMBER 9: Demar Dotson #69 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers blocks Cameron Jordan #94 of the New Orleans Saints at Mercedes-Benz Superdome on September 9, 2018 in New Orleans, Louisiana. The Buccaneers defeated the Saints 48-40. (Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images)

The Denver Broncos have agreed to terms on a deal with offensive lineman Demar Dotson.

After considering their options following the decision by Ja’Wuan James to opt-out of the upcoming season, the Broncos brought in the 34-year old who has spent the past 11 seasons with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Demar Dotson gives the Broncos a veteran option to go with Garett Bolles and Elijah Wilkinson, who many see as a shaky combination at best.

Undrafted out of Southern Mississippi in 2009, Dotson has a wealth of playing experience and that is likely what led to the Broncos making this deal. He has played in 130 career games, making 106 starts. He has made starts at both left and right tackle, but he should compete with Wilkinson for the right tackle spot in Denver.

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Dotson was a mainstay in Tampa for many years but the team chose to move in a different direction this offseason after luring Tom Brady over. They then used a first-round pick on Tristan Wirfs, who should occupy the spot Dotson held.

For the Broncos, who have their own franchise quarterback to protect in Drew Lock, this kind of move was a no-brainer. With the void James left at the tackle position, the team had to make a move and likely considered several veteran options.

In the end, Dotson was the choice and because of his experience and consistent level of play, it’s a decision that makes complete sense.

In 15 starts last season, Dotson allowed 3.5 sacks and was penalized 10 times, according to STATS LLC. For his career, Dotson has allowed 33.5 sacks, an average of about three per season.

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