Ex-Commanders draft pick fighting for survival after stunning trade

Getting rid of Jahan Dotson before his value plummeted was a shrewd piece of business by general manager Adam Peters. And it seems like the former Washington Commanders wide receiver is already fighting for his long-term future in a different environment.

The Commanders sent Dotson packing to the Philadelphia Eagles last summer. It was a contentious issue, especially given that they are fierce division rivals, but Peters got the best trade deal. The wideout won a Super Bowl ring, even if he didn't contribute that much throughout the campaign.

Bigger things are expected of Dotson heading into this season, which also happens to be the last of his rookie deal after the Eagles didn't pick up his fifth-year option. There have been flashes of encouraging promise over training camp. Still, another eye-catching trade from Howie Roseman doesn't exactly scream confidence in the former Penn State standout's outlook.

Jahan Dotson's future gets even murkier one year after Commanders exit

The Eagles struck an agreement with the Houston Texans for wide receiver John Metchie III. Philadelphia is giving up pass-catching tight end Harrison Bryant as part of the deal. They are also swapping their fifth-round pick with a sixth-rounder as part of the transaction.

Metchie had lofty expectations on his shoulders entering the league out of Alabama. Unfortunately, he was diagnosed with acute promyelocytic leukemia shortly before his NFL journey began. This dented his momentum, but his long-term health rightfully took priority, even if it denied the wideout his rookie campaign.

After making it back, the Texans brought Metchie along gradually. He's been a part of the rotation over the last two seasons, but nothing more. And now, he'll get the chance to join the reigning Super Bowl champions in pursuit of galvanizing his career.

Time is of the essence for Metchie. While there doesn't appear to be much chance of Dotson losing his No. 3 spot before the campaign, having another dynamic weapon vying for targets raises urgency in no uncertain terms.

Unless Dotson improves the trust in his capabilities, this is only going to end one way. He's not going to unseat A.J. Brown or DeVonta Smith from their respective spots. If performances don't improve, there is a real risk of getting unseated by Metchie once he becomes more familiar with the Eagles' offensive concepts.

Couple this with the need to prove worthy of another deal in Philadelphia or somewhere else in 2026, and Dotson shouldn't be lacking in urgency. It'll take a big response for the player, so drastic growth needs to arrive to remain part of the team's plans.

Nothing else will suffice.

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