3 winners (and 2 losers) from the Commanders trading Jahan Dotson
By Dean Jones
Loser No. 1
Jayden Daniels - Commanders QB
Jayden Daniels needs all the help he can get. The rookie quarterback comes with lofty expectations after the Washington Commanders took him at No. 2 overall in the 2024 NFL Draft. The last thing he needs is the skill positions not living up to the required standards.
Losing Jahan Dotson - whether he was a good scheme fit or not - weakens the room. For all his faults, the former Penn State star can be explosive and make things happen with the football in his hands. He also showed prowess for getting in the end-zone as a rookie, although that didn't transition to Year 2 effectively enough within Eric Bieniemy's pass-happy strategy.
The Commanders are confident that Terry McLaurin, Dyami Brown, Luke McCaffrey, and veteran free-agent signing Olamide Zaccheaus can become a dependable quartet. Most from the outside looking in think Washington needs more to ensure Daniels hits the ground running.
Adam Peters' opinion is all that matters. The new general manager made a big investment in Daniels after his sensational Heisman Trophy-winning campaign at LSU. Giving him everything needed to excel right out of the gate is essential. If that means making another move for a productive pass-catcher, so be it.
Winner No. 2
Luke McCaffrey - Commanders WR
One of the primary reasons why Jahan Dotson was traded centered on how impressed the coaching staff were with other wide receivers and how well they fitted into Kliff Kingsbury's offensive concepts. Luke McCaffrey is a prime example.
The Commanders took McCaffrey with the No. 100 overall selection in the 2024 NFL Draft, the pick Washington acquired from the San Francisco 49ers for defensive end Chase Young. He was seen as a work in progress after converting from a quarterback to wide receiver in college. His smooth transition and assured hands raised confidence in his potential to make an immediate contribution.
McCaffrey stands to benefit more than most from Dotson's departure, although this is dependent on whether the Commanders make another move. The rookie will make mistakes, but his athleticism and crisp route-running with a limited tree right now leave reasons for encouragement.
The former Rice star comes from good football bloodlines and knows what it takes to succeed in the pros. He displayed exceptional work ethic and outstanding progress throughout the offseason. Trading Dotson should provide McCaffrey with ample opportunities to thrive in Year 1 of his professional career.