PHILADELPHIA — The Philadelphia Eagles have made headlines by acquiring star running back Saquon Barkley, signing him to a lucrative three-year deal worth $37.75 million at the beginning of free agency in March. Following this move, receiver Jahan Dotson took to social media, questioning, “Whose MUT team is this?” referring to Madden Ultimate Team.
Now, Dotson has joined the Eagles, significantly enhancing their offensive lineup. On Thursday, the Eagles traded a third-round pick and two seventh-round picks to the Washington Commanders in exchange for Dotson and a fifth-round pick in 2025. This trade helps address one of the last gaps in the Eagles’ offensive setup.
The Eagles had been on the hunt for a consistent third wide receiver to support stars A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith. Throughout training camp, experienced players such as Parris Campbell, John Ross, and Britain Covey, along with rookie Johnny Wilson, competed for this role. While they all showed promise, none stood out significantly, leading to an ongoing rotation of reps.
Dotson, 24, emerges as the frontrunner for the WR3 position. During his two seasons with Washington, he recorded 84 receptions for 1,041 yards and 11 touchdowns, working with a variety of quarterbacks, including Carson Wentz, Taylor Heinicke, and Sam Howell. Despite showcasing some impressive plays after being drafted 16th overall in 2022, Dotson struggled with consistency. Statistics indicated his targets per route run and yards per route run were among the lowest last season, and he posted a notable drop percentage.
In the upcoming season, Dotson will need to seize his opportunities, which may be limited. The Eagles’ passing game is heavily centered around Brown, Smith, and tight end Dallas Goedert, in addition to incorporating Barkley into the attack. There will be a finite number of targets available.
However, there are positive signs that Dotson will fit well. Offensive coordinator Kellen Moore has indicated plans to vary receiver alignments more than in previous years, which could create advantageous matchups. Although Dotson thrives in the slot, he has the capability to line up outside, allowing flexibility for both Smith and Brown. His speed, clocked at 4.43 seconds in the 40-yard dash at the combine, is expected to create space for the Eagles’ high-profile offense.
Brown may have played a pivotal role in encouraging Dotson’s acquisition, as the two trained together during the offseason in Florida. Dotson has acknowledged Brown’s influence, particularly in their speed training sessions.
Although the Eagles invested a significant amount in this trade, they retained one third-round pick in the upcoming draft, leaving them with seven picks for 2025, including three fifth-round selections. The fact that Washington was willing to trade Dotson, even with two years remaining on his rookie contract, suggests that he did not meet performance expectations, particularly as he failed to secure the second receiver spot alongside Terry McLaurin.
In Philadelphia, Dotson’s mission will be distinct: to stretch defenses and step up when called upon.