Former Commanders First Round Pick Gets Bad News on Future

The Washington Commanders enjoyed significantsalary capspace this offseason partly due to their prolonged strugglesin selectingtalent during the NFL draftsfor many years.

This indicates that regarding choices for the fifth year, the Commanders have not needed to hesitate. Since those players typically do not stick around until then.

On April 23, the Philadelphia Eagles decided against exercising the fifth-year option for wide receiver Jahan Dotson. Initially selected as the sixteenth overall pick in the first round of the 2022 NFL Draft by the Washington Commanders, Dotson was later involved in a trade with the Eagles. In this deal, which occurred prior to the start of the 2024 season, the Eagles sent a 2025 third-round pick, a 2025 fifth-round pick, and a 2025 seventh-round pick in return for Dotson and a 2025 fifth-round selection from the Commanders.

“#Eagles is opting out of the 5th-year choice for the wide receiver Jahan Dotson As reported by "FOX Sports NFL Insider" Jordan Schultz via his official X account on April 23, "This places the player who was previously selected with the 16th pick in a contract year for the coming season."

The Commanders transformed the assets received for Dotson into an even more valuable resource, leveraging the 2025 third-round selection (pick No. 79 overall) obtained from the Eagles as part of the deal to secure the left offensive tackle. Laremy Tunsil from the Houston Texans on March 10.

Harsh NFL Draft Cleanup Ahead for Commanders' First-Round Selections

Of Washington’s Eight first-round selections between 2017 and 2023 — In 2019, the Commanders possessed 2 first-round selections — exclusively for a defensive tackle position. Daron Payne stays on the roster in 2025. Over a period of one year, from November 2023 to November 2024, the Commanders released 5 of those selections.

Washington swapped an edge rusher and previous No. 2 overall draft selection. Chase Young and edge rusher Montez Sweat By midway through the 2023 season, and linebacker Dotson prior to the 2024 season. Jamin Davis and cornerback Emmanuel Forbes Jr . were both released at the beginning of the 2024 regular season .

The finest among those selections, a two-time Pro Bowl defensive tackle. Jonathan Allen was released by the Commanders on March 7 as part of a salary cap maneuver. inked a deal for 3 years totaling $60 million with the Minnesota Vikings on March 11.

Dotson Indicated Vigor During Eagles' Super Bowl Push

Although the Eagles selected Dotson as their third wide receiver choice following their star players. A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith During the regular season, he appeared disoriented on offense and concluded with career-low stats of 19 catches for 216 yards and zero touchdowns.

In the postseason, Dotson was a different player He scored with a touchdown catch. win over the Green Bay Packers in the NFC Wild Card Round, then followed that with 2 receptions for 42 yards in a 40-22 win over the Kansas City Chiefs In Super Bowl LIX, this involved a spectacular diving reception for 28 yards in the first quarter, which positioned the Eagles to score their initial touchdown with a 1-yard run. Super Bowl Most Valuable Player Jalen Hurts .

It’s all I ever imagined, it’s exactly what I came here to achieve, Dotson said Following the Super Bowl, he said, "If someone had told you last year at this time that I'd end up here, you would have chuckled. But now, I'm grateful to be here. Really thankful."

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