**Commanders, Eagles Trade Grades: Former First-Round Pick Jahan Dotson Traded to Rival Philadelphia**
The Washington Commanders have decided to part ways with one of their recent first-round picks. Wide receiver Jahan Dotson, along with a fifth-round pick, is being sent to the Philadelphia Eagles in exchange for a third-round pick and two seventh-round picks. The Eagles confirmed the trade on Thursday morning.
This move comes after Commanders head coach Dan Quinn publicly mentioned that several players, including Dotson, were competing for the No. 2 receiver spot behind Terry McLaurin. Dotson’s inability to distinguish himself, despite his first-round status, may have foreshadowed this decision.
During his two seasons with Washington, Dotson recorded 35 catches for 523 yards and seven touchdowns in his first year, followed by 49 catches for 517 yards and four touchdowns in his second. His yards per reception, yards per game, target rate, and yards per route run all declined in his second season, according to Tru Media.
With Dotson now traded, Washington is likely to rely on third-round pick Luke McCaffrey, Olamide Zaccheaus, and Dyami Brown to fill the wide receiver roles behind McLaurin. No. 2 overall pick Jayden Daniels will also have tight ends Zach Ertz and rookie Ben Sinnott as part of his passing targets, along with running backs Brian Robinson Jr. and Austin Ekeler.
Philadelphia, on the other hand, is taking a chance on rediscovering the potential that made Dotson a first-round pick, and they’re doing so at a relatively low cost. The Eagles have been searching for a No. 3 receiver to complement A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith, especially after DeVante Parker, whom they signed earlier this offseason, retired before playing a game. With minimal production from their wide receivers outside of Brown and Smith in recent years, acquiring Dotson could address that gap.
**Trade Grades**
*Commanders: D-*
This trade is hard to view as anything but a loss for Washington. Dotson, a first-round pick just two years ago, had two disappointing seasons but was never given a chance to play with a quality quarterback. The return—essentially just a pick swap and two seventh-rounders—is a significant letdown.
*Eagles: B*
However, for the Eagles, the trade is more favorable. Dotson hasn’t been particularly productive in the NFL, despite his college success that warranted a mid-first-round selection. Yet, the cost to acquire him is low enough that it’s a worthwhile gamble, even if he ultimately doesn’t secure a key role in the offense.
