The Washington Commanders signed their first-round pick in this year’s NFL Draft, wide receiver Jahan Dotson to a rookie contract. The deal is four years and worth $15,048,358, including a signing bonus just under $8.125 million, according to Spotrac.
Dotson will make $705,000 in base salary during his rookie year. Year 1 of his deal will carry a cap hit of just under $2.74 million.
Here’s a breakdown of the deal:
| Year | Base Salary | Signing Bonus | Cap Hit | Dead Cap |
| 2022 | $705,000 | $2,031,065 | $2,736,065 | $15,048,358 |
| 2023 | $1,389,016 | $2,031,065 | $3,420,081 | $12,312,293 |
| 2024 | $2,073,033 | $2,031,065 | $4,104,098 | $8,892,212 |
| 2025 | $2,757,049 | $2,031,065 | $4,788,114 | $4,788,114 |
As all rookie contracts for first-round picks, Dotson ahs a fifth-year team option which will occur in the 2026 season.
The Commanders selected Dotson out of Penn State with the 16th overall pick after trading back from No. 11.
Washington appeared intent to draft a wide receiver early in the draft. Dotson will join Terry McLaurin and Curtis Samuel as the primary starters at wide receivers.
Jahan Dotson had a breakthrough year last season at Penn State. After having 93 catches and 13 receiving touchdowns total in his first three years, Dotson nearly doubled his numbers in his senior year with 91 catches, 1,182 receiving yards and 12 receiving touchdowns.
At 5-foot-11, pundits project Dotson may be best to play in the slot. However the Commanders will have a similar skill set across the board. Offensive coordinator Scott Turner will have the flexibility to move Dotson, McLaurin and Samuel along the formation.
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