Details emerge about Jahan Dotson’s rookie contract with Commanders

The Washington Commanders entered the NFL Draft with six picks and finished the seven-round showcase with eight after trading down in the first round. Originally equipped with the No. 11 overall selection, the Commanders swapped places with the Saints (No. 16) and acquired two additional picks in the process.

Of course, Washington used the first-rounder on Jahan Dotson, who’s made a lovely impression on fans in the early goings.

Between wanting to stay at rookie camp instead of attending his Penn State graduation and showing off his personality and football acumen in interviews, the young receiver hasn’t put a foot wrong since being drafted.

The only qualm fans could possibly have is that he’s taken longer than expected to sign his rookie contract, as fellow WRs Drake London, Jameson Williams, Garrett Wilson and Chris Olave had already put pen to paper.

On Wednesday, Dotson joined the club, signing a four-year, $15.05 million fully guaranteed contract with the Commanders.

The Commanders signed first-round pick Jahan Dotson to a four-year rookie contract.

Like all contracts for first-round picks, Dotson’s deal includes a fifth-year option. The salary, on the other hand, is predetermined based on where players are taken. As the No. 16 selection, the Penn State product was locked in to the $15.05 million sum.

It’s great to see Dotson get his contract signed before the start of offseason workouts. Though not a huge deal, it’s just better for everyone involved if the rookie doesn’t have that hanging over his head. Now, he can devote his full attention to impressing the coaching staff. It’s a win-win.

The hope is Dotson will help stabilize (some would say jumpstart) a Washington receiving corps that’s been overly dependent on Terry McLaurin over the last three years. In the last two seasons, JD McKissic, a running back, finished second on the team in catches. That should never be the case.

Dotson brings an impressive resume with him to Ashburn. During the 2021 season, he produced 91 catches for 1,181 yards and 12 touchdowns. He departed Happy Valley with the second-most catches, fourth-most receiving yards and tied for the second-most touchdown catches in Penn State history.

A similar profile to McLaurin, Dotson flourishes in contested-catch situations and plays significantly bigger than his size. He also poses a threat on deep balls and can create for himself after the catch on shorter routes

If Dotson produces like McLaurin, his rookie deal will be a bargain.