If the Detroit Lions enter the trade market for a wide receiver, a sneaky target seems to be emerging.
In the days following the preseason opener, Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell has publicly urged players to rise to the challenge for the final wide receiver spots on the team.
The upcoming game against the Kansas City Chiefs is crucial for these players, as it will significantly influence whether the Lions decide to bring in additional talent.
During the Washington Commanders’ preseason opener, wide receiver Jahan Dotson saw an unexpectedly large amount of playing time (32 offensive snaps). While it might be tempting to assume he’s secured the No. 2 receiver spot, head coach Dan Quinn has indicated that there’s a competitive battle for that position.
“We’re currently in the midst of the WR2 competition,” Quinn said. “You’ll see numerous players competing today in practice—two, three, four, even five guys. I’ve been particularly impressed with Olamide Zaccheaus and his strong performance throughout camp. We’re also planning to give Luke McCaffrey additional opportunities, and Jahan Dotson and Dyami Brown will be part of the mix as well. Special teams performance will also play a role in determining the final positions.”
Fresh WR trade target seems to be emerging for the Lions
Since the Commanders selected him 16th overall in the 2022 draft, Jahan Dotson has been somewhat disappointing over the past two seasons. Despite a promising rookie year with seven touchdowns in 12 games, his performance declined significantly last year, with fewer yards and just 14 additional catches over a full 17-game season. This year is crucial for him, and he still hasn’t distinguished himself in the WR2 competition, which includes a rookie and a few other less impressive candidates.
Dotson, as reported by Sam Fortier of the Washington Post, is aware of the challenges he faces with the new coaching staff in Washington.
“DQ didn’t draft me. Every year in this profession, you have to prove yourself and show what you’re worth and capable of doing. That’s what I’m working on,” Dotson said.
In Washington’s first preseason game, Dotson split his playing time evenly between outside and slot positions, and it looks like he will continue in this manner during Saturday night’s game against the Miami Dolphins.
Despite this, NFL analyst Gregg Rosenthal has gone so far as to speculate about Dotson’s future with the Commanders, suggesting that his tenure with the team might be uncertain.
Though it’s currently uncertain, several teams would likely be interested in Jahan Dotson if he became available. The Commanders’ willingness to trade him shouldn’t negatively impact his market value.
From the Lions’ perspective, Dotson (5-foot-11, 182 pounds) closely resembles their current receivers, Amon-Ra St. Brown and Kalif Raymond, in terms of physical attributes. While Dotson has faced criticism for his play strength, he excels as a route runner and has a decent catch radius. If an opportunity arises in Detroit’s receiving lineup, he could fit well.
If other wide receivers like Donovan Peoples-Jones or Daurice Fountain fail to make a strong impression against the Chiefs, it might prompt the Lions to consider acquiring a wide receiver. Although there may be better options on the trade market, Dotson is a viable candidate worth considering given his current situation.
