The Washington Commanders made their second trade of the day on August 22, sending 2022 first-round pick Jahan Datson to the Philadelphia Eagles, according to Adam Schefter of ESPN. The Commanders will get a draft haul in return.
“A rare in-division trade: Washington is sending former first-round pick Jahan Dotson and a fifth-round pick to the Eagles in exchange for a 2025 third-round pick and two seventh-round picks, per sources,” Schefter tweeted on August 22.
Dotson, who played in the WR3 role next to Terry McLaurin and Curtis Samuel last season, will return to Pennsylvania, where he attended Penn State. In his first two seasons, he’s posted 1,041 yards, 11 touchdowns and 84 receptions.
Earlier in the day on August 22, the Commanders acquired kicker Cade York from the Cleveland Browns in exchange for a conditional seventh-round pick, according to reports.
Recent Comments Raised Questions About Jahan Dotson’s Future With Commanders
Dotson and former Commanders players had made comments recently that raised doubt about his future with the team. Dotson was drafted under a different coaching staff, and he understood that he had to prove himself to Dan Quinn and the rest of the new staff.
“DQ didn’t draft me,” Dotson said on August 16, according to Sam Fortier of The Washington Post. “Each and every year … in your profession, you got to prove yourself. You got to prove what you’re worth and what you’re capable of doing. That’s what I’m trying to do.”
Franchise legend Brian Mitchell, who hosts “B Mitch & Finlay” on Washington’s 106.7 the Fan Radio, commented about players “sulking.”
“I’m watching dudes pouting and walking around sulking. What the hell is that?” Mitchell said on August 14. “This is the big leagues, and if you can’t understand competition is going to be present and forget about it and move on and just go full speed every day, every play, every opportunity, then that’s on you. Because people get cut based off of body language.”
He didn’t specify a player but added that Dotson could’ve been one of the players he was talking about, among others.
“[Dotson] could’ve been one of the guys I was talking about,” he said. “But I was talking about a lot of guys.”
How Dotson Will Help the Philadelphia Eagles
Dotson is still three years removed from being drafted in the first round. He impressed in his rookie campaign, but the hope was for him to have a much better second season.
The lackluster second season — 518 receiving yards and 4 touchdowns in 17 games — and quiet training camp likely led to him being traded.
For the Commanders, the trade will give others in the wide receiver room to prove they belong. The Commanders don’t have a set No. 2 receiver now, giving one of their young receivers an opportunity to step up.
The Eagles are taking a warranted risk here. Dotson could end up being the perfect WR3 for them behind Devonta Smith and A.J. Brown, arguably the best receiver duo in the NFL.
Dotson should get more open looks, with defenses focusing on Smith and Brown. With quarterback Jalen Hurts throwing him the football, he’ll play with the best quarterback he’s played with in his NFL career.
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Commanders Trade Former 1st-Round Pick WR to Eagles for Draft Picks: Report