Commanders wide receiver linked with back-to-back Super Bowl champions

Washington Commanders wide receiver Jahan Dotson was linked with a trade to the two-time Super Bowl champion Kansas City Chiefs.

Adam Peters stated there are a few cornerstone pieces for the Washington Commanders to build around, They appear obvious from the outside looking in. Whether Jahan Dotson is one of them is subject to debate.

After being tabbed as a potential breakout candidate by most in the media before his sophomore campaign, Dotson didn't get anywhere close to meeting these expectations. The wide receiver looked a little lost in Eric Bieniemy's scheme. His ability to create separation regressed and some stupid concentration errors crept into his game. This resulted in 49 receptions from 83 targets for 518 receiving yards and four touchdowns.

This makes Year 3 a pivotal one for Dotson. The former first-round selection must make the necessary improvements and become a huge factor in Kliff Kingsbury's offensive system. After how things unfolded last season, the margin for error is slimmer than ever.

Jarrett Bailey from USA Today Sports speculated about a different career path for Dotson. He wondered whether being traded to the two-time Super Bowl champion Kansas City Chiefs could be the best possible solution for all parties.

"This one may come out of left field, but [Jahan] Dotson would be a very fun addition to the Chiefs’ offense. Patrick Mahomes made chicken salad out of chicken you-know-what with the likes of Kadarius Toney and Richie James. Dotson had a down year after a very promising rookie season in Washington. It wouldn’t be the only move Kansas City would need to make at receiver, but trading a Day Three pick for Dotson is a low risk, high reward scenario that could result in the Chiefs having a reliable slot receiver."

- Jarrett Bailey, USA Today Sports

While there is no doubt Dotson would excel with Patrick Mahomes under center, this should be a non-starter from Washington's perspective. A Day 3 selection for someone taken No. 16 overall in 2021 wouldn't cut it with a smart general manager in charge. There is far too much upside to give up on the pass-catcher this soon into his professional career.

If Dotson cannot take another leap forward next season, it's a different story. He must impose himself as a WR2 option behind McLaurin. The Penn State product must not get surpassed by an incoming college prospect if the Commanders add another pass-catcher with one of their high-end draft selections.

This is the time of year for speculation. The Commanders have been subjected to more of that than most considering their new regime is in place and the vast resources at the team's disposal. Trading good young players shouldn't be in Peters' train of thought. Dotson still slots into this particular category despite not attaining some loftier goals in 2023.

There is also the presence of a potential rookie quarterback to consider. The Commanders need players who can get open quickly and make life easier for their chosen signal-caller in this scenario. Dotson's proven adept at exactly this both in college and the pros.

The Chiefs will reload for Mahomes this offseason. They might even put Dotson on their shortlist in this scenario. Even if they do come calling, the Commanders would be wise to avoid the temptation.