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Commanders sell low in trade that benefits division rival
Jahan Dotson. Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports

Commanders sell low in trade that benefits division rival

The Commanders may have just given the Eagles a solution to one of their biggest questions on offense.

Per ESPN's Adam Schefter, Washington traded wide receiver Jahan Dotson, its first-round pick (No. 16 overall) in the 2022 NFL Draft, and a fifth-round pick to Philadelphia for a 2025 third-round pick and two future seventh-round picks.

Dotson could be a potential starter in three wide receiver sets (11 personnel) alongside A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith. Parris Campbell is the current No. 3 receiver on the team's unofficial depth chart.

Earlier this preseason, Campbell was sidelined by a groin injury. He hasn't appeared in the preseason, but CBS Sports NFL reporter Jeff Kerr wrote earlier this week that Campbell "is likely to play" against the Vikings in Week 3.

The Commanders gave the Eagles a potentially significant upgrade and have little to show for it in return.

A third and two sevenths is an inadequate return for a player selected in the first round only two years ago.

Dotson underperformed in 2023 after a promising 2022 season that was limited due to injuries.

After recording 35 receptions, 523 yards and seven touchdowns in 12 games as a rookie, Dotson had 49 receptions, 518 yards and four touchdowns a season ago.

But he was a first-round pick for a reason. The Athletic NFL Draft analyst Dane Brugler ranked him as 2022's No. 25 overall prospect.

Brugler praised Dotson's "route instincts and ball skills" and compared him favorably to Panthers wide receiver Diontae Johnson, writing Dotson has "better hands and punt-return skills."

It's too early in his career for the Commanders to have given up on him so soon. While the brain trust that selected Dotson is no longer in charge, he could have been a potential breakout candidate with rookie  Jayden Daniels taking over as Washington's starting quarterback.

Instead, he can potentially be an essential addition to the Eagles offense.

Eric Smithling

Eric Smithling is a writer based in New Orleans, LA, whose byline also appears on Athlon Sports. He has been with Yardbarker since September 2022, primarily covering the NFL and college football, but also the NBA, WNBA, men’s and women’s college basketball, NHL, tennis and golf. He holds a film studies degree from the University of New Orleans

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