Former Steelers Offensive Lineman Detailed Exactly What Went Wrong Behind The Scenes While In Pittsburgh

The Pittsburgh Steelers finally have the offensive line in a good spot after the organization had been working on building up the unit for several seasons. The franchise continued to attack the positions upfront in the NFL Draft and by targeting veterans in free agency, and it seems like the franchise finally has a good young core to build around. It could even be a great young core depending on if left tackle Broderick Jones can show some improvement. There were some swings and misses while building up to this point however, both in the draft and through free agency.

One miss during the NFL Draft for Pittsburgh was offensive guard Kevin Dotson. The Steelers selected him in the fourth round of the 2020 NFL Draft, and there was immediate excitement surrounding the player, despite the fact that he was a later-round selection. He had clear physical skills and his highlights in college were electric. Many members of the fan base were thinking he was really good, and he just fell in the event because he went to a smaller school in Louisiana.

Dotson quickly became a starting guard in Pittsburgh, but things didn't always go well. The former Steeler joined Inside Coverage on Thursday, where he explained what happened during his time in Pittsburgh.

"It's one of those things where, I wasn't used to being cold all the time, to start off," Dotson said. "There wasn't a lot of sun there. Not a lot of stuff to do there. It was like a culture shock, and it really wasn't in a too positive of a way. I love the team overall, but there was definitely stuff behind the scenes that you're like, 'Oh, man. It kind of ruined an experience for me.' But I still loved being down there, the time I was down there."

Dotson was not always happy in Pittsburgh. He was born in Mississippi and played his high school and college football in Louisiana. That is quite the weather shift heading north to the Steel City, especially during the time of year that football takes place. He also hinted at some things going on behind the scenes that took a toll on him.

The former Steelers guard didn't open up too much about what he was referring to when speaking about things going on behind the scenes, but it sounded like it was within the organization itself. It could have been coaching or the way he was treated by higher-level executives, but he did not expand on the situation. He wound up getting traded ahead of the 2023 season, and he has played extremely well for the Los Angeles Rams since arriving there.

Dotson suffered some injuries during his time with Pittsburgh, and he eventually just flamed out. It was clear a change of scenery was needed, so Pittsburgh sent him to Los Angeles for a pair of pick swaps. He eventually became a starter, and he played well enough to earn a three-year, $48 million extension during the 2024 offseason.

Steelers Blindsided Kevin Dotson With Trade To Los Angeles

Dotson has spoken before about feeling blindsided being traded to the Rams just before the start of the 2023 season, but it sounds like a trade he would have welcomed based on how he speaks about his time with the Steelers. It worked out for Dotson as he got to return to a climate he is used to and he gets to play on a team that is a true Super Bowl contender. He also was able to get paid in a big way, and Pittsburgh was able to reshape their offensive line. 

The Steelers are going to be looking for a left guard after the 2025 season however, as Isaac Seumalo is in the final year of his deal and could be eyeing retirement.

What do you think about Dotson's thoughts on his time with Pittsburgh? Let us know in the comments below!

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