Washington Commanders Star Among NFL’s Biggest Offseason Winners

After all, Washington suffered some key departures during the offseason, and Jayden Daniels’ arrival as the No. 2 overall pick in the draft creates the opportunity for Dotson to take on an expanded role in 2024 with a potentially prolific franchise quarterback leading the offense.

Through his first two seasons, Dotson has caught 84 of his 144 targets for 1,041 yards with 11 touchdowns, despite wildly inconsistent quarterback play.

That could be on the cusp of dramatically changing with Sam Howell in Seattle and Jayden Daniels landing in the nation’s capital.

Is 2024 ‘Make or Break’ for Washington Commanders WR Jahan Dotson?

At least one NFL analyst suggests the 2024 campaign could be a breakout season for Dotson.

Pro Football Focus’ Bradley Locker put together a list of breakout candidates for all 32 teams, with Dotson landing on the list for the Commanders.

“Dotson finally played all 17 games,” Locker points out. “But his production didn’t jump much in 2023. A big reason was shaky quarterback play, with Sam Howell pacing the league in turnover-worthy plays. While Howell never seemed to establish good connections with either Terry McLaurin or Dotson, Jayden Daniels should quickly change that, especially by targeting Dotson on intermediate routes — where he notched a 96.4 receiving grade in 2023.

“The 2024 season feels like the make-or-break one for Dotson in Washington, and with the departure of Curtis Samuel and no true TE1, he should be utilized better by new OC Kliff Kingsbury.”

Samuel’s departure should clear the path for Dotson to see more targets and separate himself as a legitimate No. 2 option and field-stretcher opposite Terry McLaurin.

The combination of a system that pushes the ball vertically in the passing game, the chance to climb the depth chart, and his skill-set, could set the stage for Dotson’s most productive season to date.

This could be the season, given his situation and that it is his third NFL season since being chosen out of Penn State, that Dotson lives up to his first-round pedigree, and then some.