Jahan Dotson was shocked when the Washington Commanders traded him last week. Even more shocking was that the Commanders sent the 2022 first-round pick to the Philadelphia Eagles. What exactly was Washington general manager Adam Peters saying when he shipped Dotson to a division rival?
Dotson arrived in Philadelphia Friday and on Saturday, he met with the media for the first time as a member of the Eagles.
“Yeah, you know, it was a shock just because all I know in the NFL is the Washington Commanders,” the No. 16 overall from pick 2022 said. “At the end of the day, it’s a business and I understand that very much so. It all happens so fast, and you don’t kind of get to react to it, but you know, I would say being out here today and being on the field and kind of taking the field, and taking it all in a little it, you know, I’m very excited.”
Dotson, who played at Penn State and is from Nazareth, Pennsylvania, is excited to play so close to home.
Did Dotson receive an explanation from the Commanders?
“Yeah, I talked to Coach Dan Quinn and [Commanders GM] Mr. Adam Peters,” Dotson said. “They told me they think very highly of me. It was kind of just something that happens. These things happen all the time in the NFL, you know? So I didn’t, I’m not going to take it personal until I see Washington, but you know, it’s exciting. I’m excited to be here. I can’t wait to put on the black and green, and I can’t wait to get to work.”
Dotson didn’t say anything wrong or out of the way here. The quote, “I’m not going to take it personal until I see Washington,” should be a normal reaction for any player that a team gave up on after two years.
Dotson was expected to be Commanders’ starting wide receiver opposite Terry McLaurin for a third consecutive season, but Quinn said recently the team hadn’t decided on a No. 2 receiver. Those comments, in addition to Dotson playing the most snaps of any receiver in Week 1 of the preseason, were telling. Other reports from training camp weren’t favorable for Dotson — at least from those watching.
How will Dotson respond? He will be the No. 3 receiver in Philadelphia behind DeVonta Smith and A.J. Brown, which may be a better role for him.
The Commanders and Eagles first meet in Week 11.