Commanders updated 2025 NFL Draft picks after Jahan Dotson trade
By Dean Jones
Jahan Dotson's era with the Washington Commanders is over.
After struggling to adjust to the increased demands and new schematic concepts, he went from the No. 2 option to fighting for involvement. Dan Quinn was noncommital when speaking about the WR2 battle. Trading the former first-round selection indicated he was pretty far down the pecking order.
Dotson was shipped to the Philadelphia Eagles for a third-round pick and two seventh-rounders. Washington's general manager Adam Peters also threw in a fifth-round selection to further sweeten the pot, ending the player's time with the franchise after just two seasons.
Trading him to an NFC East rival was the contentious part. This is the second time Peters has dealt with the Eagles this offseason. The first transpired during the 2024 NFL Draft when he traded down so Howie Roseman could select defensive back Cooper DeJean. It's not the typical way of doing business. That said, the new front-office leader always takes the best offer on the table whether it's from a divisional adversary or not.
Peters has made no secret of his desire to build through the draft and supplement through free agency. This is a long-term plan to get the Commanders back into contention. The former San Francisco 49ers executive is aggressive while also keeping the bigger picture in mind. He's also ruthless when it comes to disposing of those who don't fit into Washington's newfound way of thinking.
The coffers were boosted after removing Dotson from the equation. Here's a look at the Commanders' picks during the 2025 NFL Draft after parting ways with the former Penn State standout.
Commanders 2025 NFL Draft picks after Jahan Dotson trade
- Round No. 1
- Round No. 2
- Round No. 3
- Round No. 3 (via Philadelphia-Miami)
- Round No. 4
- Round No. 6
- Round No. 7 (via Philadelphia-Atlanta)
- Round No. 7 (via Philadelphia)
The Commanders will make more moves - whether they'll be incomings or outgoings remains to be seen. They might have an extra seventh-rounder to call upon depending on what happens with the recently acquired Cade York.
Washington struck a deal for the kicker just a few short hours before the bombshell trade with Dotson. York arrived from the Cleveland Browns for a conditional seventh-round pick, which is likely dependent on whether he makes the team and how many snaps he plays during the regular season.
It's also worth remembering that Peters has a ton of cap space at his disposal in 2025. According to Spotrac, the Commanders have $94.36 million available with 47 players under contract. That's not a bad spot to be in, although the likes of stud right guard Sam Cosmi need to be extended. This will bring that number down considerably.
This trade involving Dotson was a win-win for all parties. It gives the wideout a chance to start fresh and stick it to Washington twice a season along the way. It also provides Peters with extra picks to enhance his rebuild or make additional trades if the right opportunities come along.
Hopefully, this decision works out for the Commanders. But there needs to be trust attached considering the impressive start Peters has made throughout a frantic offseason of changes across the board.