The Denver Broncos were one of the teams to have players opt out of the 2020 NFL season in light of the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. Broncos veteran defensive tackle Ja'Wuan James was one of the 69 NFL players who chose to sit out the upcoming season. The team didn't waste any time and immediately looked into his potential replacements.
9News' reporter Mike Klis revealed the Broncos' looming plans on Twitter:
Broncos bringing in former TBay starting RT Demar Dotson for visit, sources tell 9News. Dotson must first go through COVID-19 testing, then physical.
If all works out, Dotson would add OT depth to Bolles/Wilkinson after Ja'Wuan James opt-out. Elway knows how to audible. #9sports— Mike Klis (@mikeklis) August 8, 2020
Demar Dotson was signed by Tampa Bay Buccaneers as an undrafted free agent after the 2009 NFL Draft. He eventually became a long-time Buccaneer and stayed with the franchise from 2009-2019. He started 106 out of 130 total appearances for the team. He is currently a free agent.
Denver has incoming fourth-year player Elijah Wilkinson projected to slot in at the right tackle role opposite Garett Bolles on the left side. However, there are little depth and competition in those positions. An extra body like Dotson can definitely bring up the level of play between the big men.
The Broncos can't afford to leave a gaping hole unfilled as they are currently in an arms race against the rest of the AFC West competition. All the teams in the division are aiming to dethrone the reigning Super Bowl LIV Kansas City Chiefs.
Last season, the Chiefs clinched the division with a 12-4 record while the Broncos followed with a distant 7-9 tally. The then Oakland Raiders sat in third place with an identical 7-9 campaign while the cellar-dwelling Los Angeles Chargers finished on a 5-11 note.
The Broncos are looking to make it back to the biggest stage in football, five years after winning the Super Bowl 50 chip.
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