With the Philadelphia Eagles losing to the San Francisco 49ers in the wild-card round, the focus now shifts to the offseason, where there could be multiple changes on the coaching staff and roster.
Regarding the roster, the Eagles’ offense could see a couple of new faces at tight end and wide receiver for the 2026 season. When it comes to the wide receiver room, everyone is focused on the future of star wide receiver A.J. Brown based on how things played out.
However, the Eagles might be looking for a new WR3 as Jahan Dotson is expected to be a free agent. If Dotson doesn’t return in free agency, which is a possibility based on his comments on Monday, it will open the door for rookie wideout Darius Cooper to step into the WR3 role.
“It’s tough because I know this is probably my last day here. It was fun. I learned a lot while I was here. Truly a remarkable two years,” Dotson said, via Johnny McGonigal of PennLive.com.
Jahan Dotson's Eagles Exit Comments Pass the Baton to Darius Cooper
When the Eagles acquired Dotson from the Washington Commanders during the 2024 preseason, fans were excited to see what the former first-round pick could do playing alongside A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith.
Based on pure talent, Dotson was one of the better WR3’s Jalen Hurts had. However, Dotson was not featured in the offense due to the other talented players at the skill positions.
He had 19 receptions (33 targets) for 216 yards in 2024. Dotson didn’t score his first touchdown as an Eagle until the wildcard game against the Green Bay Packers. The former Penn State WR had similar numbers this season, racking up 18 receptions (36 targets) for 262 yards and a TD.
If you’re the Eagles, there’s no reason to think that Cooper couldn't step in next season and put up similar numbers if given the chance. The undrafted free agent standout earned his way onto the team with a strong preseason and showed during the regular season that he’s a willing blocker, which likely earns him more favor.
Cooper didn’t make a huge impact in the passing game this season, recording nine receptions (11 targets) for 92 yards. However, it's a solid starting point, and the Eagles should look to see what he could be in an extended role
Now, that’s not to say Cooper will be handed the job. As we should expect, Philadelphia will bring some added competition into the room, whether that be through free agency or the NFL draft.
That said, among the viable options they have on their roster currently, Cooper seems like a good fit to take over Dotson’s spot in 2026.