Adam Peters wasted no time in removing most of Ron Rivera's highly touted draft picks from the equation. The Washington Commanders took drastic measures to revamp the roster in 2024, and wide receiver Jahan Dotson never looked capable of slotting into the team's plans.
Peters was so convinced Dotson was on the decline that he traded him to the division rival Philadelphia Eagles. He got a pretty good haul in return for the 2022 first-round pick. Even though he won a Super Bowl during his first season with the franchise, he's quickly become a non-factor in their offensive strategy.
This came to the fore in Week 17 against the Buffalo Bills. The Eagles managed to come away with a victory, but Dotson couldn't bring in his only target. The Penn State product was also only on the field for 48.1 percent of the team's offensive snaps, which is his lowest number since Week 10.
Jahan Dotson's influence continues to spiral after Commanders cut bait
It's been the tale of Dotson's season.
He's brought in 15 receptions from 22 targets for 222 receiving yards and one touchdown, but it's clear he's not ever going to be a focal point. Eagles general manager Howie Roseman is often lauded for his work in the trade market. However, there is enough evidence to suggest that Philadelphia whiffed on this one.
What the future beyond 2025 holds for Dotson is anyone's guess. The Eagles didn't pick up his fifth-year option, and there is a good chance he'll enter free agency next spring. Another team will likely see him as a gifted pass-catcher who needs a fresh start, so he'll get another opportunity. If he cannot galvanize his career in his third stop, that could be enough for the league to look the other way for good.
The Commanders chose the perfect time to move on from Dotson. Peters extracted maximum value for someone who never looked capable of meeting his pre-draft billing. It was another swing and a miss from Rivera, who couldn't properly evaluate college talent and eventually paid the price for it.
This also left Peters relying heavily on aging veterans. That's also come at a cost this season, so the Commanders have to get younger. But the fact that almost no first or second-round picks from the Rivera era are around these days makes it even more challenging.
As for Dotson? He'll be striving for more involvement, especially when the playoffs roll around. However, it's not looking especially promising for his long-term aspirations in Philadelphia.