Even with Kevin Dotson trade, decisions remain on filling spots along Steelers offensive line

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The Pittsburgh Steelers had just concluded an outing at a go-kart track Sunday afternoon, an event designed as a team-building exercise, and some of the offensive linemen were deciding what to do next.

“Sitting around chilling,” rookie tackle Broderick Jones said. “Nothing to do, time to waste.”

The boredom, at least for veteran guard Kevin Dotson, was interrupted by a phone call. His time with his teammates was cut short when he received word the Steelers were trading him to the Los Angeles Rams.

The Dotson trade shed a $2.743 million salary from the ledger and lessened the competition for a backup spot on the Steelers offense line.

A starter for 30 of his 39 appearances over three seasons with the Steelers, Dotson was reduced to a backup role when the Steelers signed veteran Isaac Seumalo to a three-year, $24 million contract. And his roster spot was jeopardized by another March free-agent signing: Nate Herbig and his two-year, $8 million deal.

“Any way you look at it, he started a lot of games in this league,” Herbig said Monday. “I have a lot of respect for him as a player. I think he’s a starter in this league, so I’m happy he gets what he deserves.”

Although Herbig had been bothered by a shoulder injury during training camp, he returned to practice Saturday. He gives the Steelers some position flexibility. Unlike Dotson, Herbig can play center and was working with the second team before his injury.

With the Rams, Dotson will provide depth at guard, a position where the numbers have been reduced by injuries.

“I’m happy for him,” Herbig said. “You get an opportunity to play some football. He’s a really good guy, a great guy. “

Jones said Dotson wasn’t exactly surprised by the trade.

“He knew it was coming,” he said. “It was just another opportunity that presented itself for him. At the end of the day, it’s a business. He feels like if this was the best thing for him, you wish him the best of luck.”

Two years ago, center Mason Cole was in a similar position. He had completed his third year with the Arizona Cardinals when he was shipped to the Minnesota Vikings. That deal took place in March and not with roster cuts looming.

“From a guy who has been traded before, I understand that side of the business,” Cole said. “A couple of years ago this stuff stopped surprising me. It (stinks) to see ‘K-dog’ go. He’s going to have a good career wherever he is.”

The Steelers must reduce the roster to 53 players by 4 p.m. Tuesday. Last year, they opened the season with nine offensive linemen on the roster. After another round of cuts Monday, the Steelers had 11 offensive linemen among the 70 players remaining in camp.

Six players are assured of spots — the starting five and first-round pick Broderick Jones, who will be the backup left tackle. That leaves five players — Herbig, Kendrick Green, Ryan McCollom, Dylan Cook and seventh-round pick Spencer Anderson — competing for three spots.

Anderson can play all five positions on the line, while Herbig, Green and McCollom can play all three interior positions. Cook is a tackle. Green also took snaps at fullback during training camp.

Herbig figures to have some security because of his contract that included a $2.92 million signing bonus. He also realizes to take nothing for granted when cutdown day arrives.

“When I was younger, for sure (there was uncertainty), especially being undrafted,” he said. “This is my fifth time doing it. I have a lot of confidence in my ability, confidence in what I can do on the field. I feel pretty confident I’ll be able to play somewhere.”

Herbig also realizes that some of his teammates on the offensive line won’t be around after Tuesday unless they are re-signed to the practice squad.

“It’s sad, and you feel bad for those guys,” he said. “Everyone has a reason for why they play. They love football and they’re trying to feed their family, but it’s the nature of the business. All I can tell them is take it one step at a time and be ready if you get the opportunity.”

Joe Rutter is a Tribune-Review staff writer. You can contact Joe by email at [email protected] or via Twitter .

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