Howie Roseman, known for his bold trades and knack for finding value in unexpected places, orchestrated a deal that didn’t quite pan out for the Philadelphia Eagles this time around. While his moves led to a Super Bowl victory in 2024, the recent trade with the Washington Commanders didn’t yield the same success.
In a notable transaction, Roseman engaged with Adam Peters, the Commanders' general manager, in a divisional trade-something you don't see every day. Peters, recognizing that Jahan Dotson wasn’t a fit for Washington’s new offensive scheme under Kliff Kingsbury, decided to capitalize on Dotson’s potential market value.
Dotson, once a promising first-round pick, was sent to the Eagles along with a fifth-round pick, while the Commanders received a third-rounder and two seventh-round picks in return. Despite earning a Super Bowl ring, Dotson struggled to find his footing in Philadelphia’s crowded wide receiver corps, managing only 37 receptions for 478 yards and a single touchdown over two seasons.
His declining performance, highlighted by a career-low route success rate of 38.9% and just 2.8 yards after the catch, signaled an uphill battle to secure a future with the Eagles. To add to the Eagles’ woes, Dotson’s contract included a voided year, adding $1.3 million to their already hefty $73.8 million dead cap.
The Commanders, meanwhile, are relishing the success of this trade. Peters’ decision to part ways with Dotson, despite the intrigue surrounding his potential, proved to be a savvy move that worked in Washington’s favor.
As Dotson heads into free agency, questions linger about his next steps. While he has the youth on his side, securing a spot on another roster might not be straightforward this offseason.
Ultimately, this trade was a win for the Commanders, and doing so at the expense of a divisional rival like the Eagles only sweetens the deal.