Buccaneers sign Gosder Cherilus to replace Demar Dotson

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have agreed to terms with Gosder Cherilus on a two-year deal, according to Rick Stroud and several other reporters. The veteran will replace right tackle Demar Dotson, who is out for up to eight weeks with a sprained MCL.

Cherilus was the league's highest-paid right tackle just two years ago and has started 29 games for the Indianapolis Colts over that period, but was released for salary cap reasons earlier this offseason. Cherilus did miss three games with a knee injury last season, but is supposed to be fully healthy now.

Cherilus had deals from two teams on the table. Visited Tampa, decided he didn't want to be anywhere else. Inked a 2 year deal. @NFLonFOX

— Peter Schrager (@PSchrags) August 17, 2015

The two-year signing is interesting, in part because the Bucs are pegging Donovan Smith as their starting left tackle. I can't imagine they signed Cherilus for just the four-to-six games Dotson is expected to miss -- which might mean that Dotson is hurt worse than the Bucs let on, or that either Cherilus or Dotson could move to left tackle or right guard once both are healthy. For now, though, the Bucs have adequately filled the biggest hole on their offensive line.