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Philadelphia Eagles Cut Former First-Round Pick to Make Room for Jahan Dotson

Originally posted on Gridiron Heroics | By Matt Lombardo | Last updated Aug 27, 2024 11:39 AM ET

The Philadelphia Eagles pulled off a blockbuster trade to acquire Jahan Dotson from the division-rival Washington Commanders last week, and on Tuesday, prior to the deadline to trim the roster to 53 players, cut one former first-round pick to make away for another.

In a move first reported by NFL Insider Josina Anderson, the Eagles released former No. 9 overall pick of the Cincinnati Bengals in the 2017 NFL Draft, John Ross.

I'm told the #Eagles are releasing WR John Ross, per source.

— JosinaAnderson (@JosinaAnderson) August 27, 2024

Ross had spent the spring and summer with the Eagles, in hopes of resurrecting an NFL career that had been besieged by injuries.

However, much like Julio Jones, Britain Covey, Parris Campbell, and other veteran receivers that came through the NovaCare Complex over the past two seasons, Ross was unable to separate himself as a reliable and effective No. 3 wide receiver behind A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith in Jalen Hurts’ supporting cast.

This might be the end of the line for Ross, who has caught 62 career passes for 957 yards and 11 touchdowns across five injury-riddled seasons.

Dotson, meanwhile, arrives in Philadelphia after spending the first two seasons of his career with the Washington Commanders, who chose him with the No. 16 overall pick out of Penn State.

Through the first two seasons of his career, Dotson has logged 84 receptions for 1,041 yards and 11 touchdowns.

Teams across the NFL have until 4 p.m. on August 27 to set their initial 53-man roster.