Jahan Dotson is preparing for his second season with the Philadelphia Eagles after joining the team just before the start of last year’s regular season. Last summer, Dotson was with the Washington Commanders before being traded to Philadelphia two days before the final preseason game. The late move meant he had little time to adjust to a new team and system.
“It’s huge. Coming in last year, I think I got here the Friday before the last preseason game. So it was kind of playing catch up all year, learning the offense on the fly,” Dotson said. “But this year, being that I was able to be with the guys all OTAs (Organized Team Activities), all Training Camp, it’s a good feeling. It helps me learn the offense and just play faster.”
Dotson explained that while he managed to get up to speed quickly last season, having a full offseason with Head Coach Nick Sirianni and Wide Receivers Coach Aaron Moorehead has been helpful for his development.
Part of Dotson’s preparation included working out in Houston with quarterback Jalen Hurts and former Penn State teammate Parker Washington. He described building trust and familiarity with Hurts during these sessions as important heading into the new season.
“It’s been big for me, just gaining that trust for him, him knowing exactly where I’m going to be on certain routes, and kind of getting the familiarity with each other,” Dotson said. “It’s been real good. We’ve been building a connection during this offseason. I’m looking forward to taking it into the season.”
Last season, Dotson played more than half of Philadelphia’s offensive snaps but did not always see many targets due to a crowded group of playmakers on offense. In Week 18 against the New York Giants, he caught seven passes for 94 yards as starters rested ahead of playoffs. He then scored Philadelphia’s first postseason touchdown and made key catches in Super Bowl LIX, helping set up early scores in their win over Kansas City.
Reflecting on how his strong finish could influence this year, Dotson said: “As much as I want it to,” he said. “It’s up to me to produce. It’s up to me to really come out here every day and make it happen. I felt like last year, I was picking up along the way. And it really showed later in the season as I was gaining more trust with Jalen, becoming very familiar with the offense. It’s up to me. I’ve been here (all of) OTAs, Training Camp, so I have no excuse this year. So I’m going to make it happen whenever my opportunity is called upon.”
Now surrounded by players such as A.J. Brown, DeVonta Smith, Dallas Goedert, and Saquon Barkley, Dotson knows opportunities may be limited but says he is ready for whatever role he is given.
“Younger me wouldn’t have handled that very well,” Dotson said. “Being a receiver, obviously, everyone wants the ball. That’s just a part of who we are. But it’s bigger than me at the end of the day.
“I got a family to feed. Whatever is asked upon me, whether that’s coming in, running a clear-out route, whether that’s catching a bubble screen, and if that’s going to be my only target of the day, that’s going to be my only target of the day. But I got to make the most of it. Being in this offense with a bunch of very high-caliber offensive players, you got to make the most of your opportunities, and that’s what I’m going to do. That’s what I’m asked upon to do here. That’s what’s going to happen.”
