Rams' next move should be an extension for key offensive player not named Puka Nacua

The Los Angeles Rams have been the one team this offseason going all-in more than any other franchise, as seen by their trades for Trent McDuffie and Myles Garrett.

Adding that duo makes the 2026 Rams look like clear Super Bowl favorites. But, with those two moves on the defensive side of the ball, it might now be time to shift to the offense for some long-term stability.

ESPN's Aaron Schatz is urging the Rams to extend a key offensive player, but it's not Puka Nacua, despite the wide receiver needing a long-term deal. Instead, Schatz wants the Rams to extend veteran offensive lineman Kevin Dotson.

Rams urged to extend OL instead of Puka Nacua

"Extend right guard Kevin Dotson," Schatz writes. "The Rams' starting guards are set to be free agents at the end of this season, and it would be a lot easier to find one new starting guard than it would be to find two."

Dotson isn't the only starting guard set to hit the open market following the 2026 season. Steve Avila will also hit free agency following the upcoming season.

While Avila is a lot younger, at 27 years old, compared to Dotson at 30 years old, the Rams, in a win-now mode, should look to keep Dotson for the next few years instead of Avila.

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As Schatz notes, Dotson has "better metrics" than Avila and would make more sense as the one guard to extend this season, with the immediate future in mind.

If this team were looking to build more long-term, then Avila would make more sense as the guard to extend. But, ideally, the Rams don't enter the 2027 offseason with both guard spots to fill, as that will be a bit of a challenge.

Instead, they should extend Dotson, despite being three years old, as he better fits the team's timeline. While a Nacua extension will be on the forefront of all fans' minds since he's also a free agent after 2026, the Rams should lock up a guard this offseason instead.

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