It is hard to find much to complain about looking back at the 2024 Philadelphia Eagles. Winning a Super Bowl removes much of the angst a fan base typically deals with in an offseason. However, if we're going to search for one area of frustration, few are as glaring as the lack of production from receiver Jahan Dotson. The young pass catcher was added after spending two solid seasons with the Washington Commanders. Despite the offensive upheaval the Commanders were facing in both seasons, Dotson found a way to contribute. There was reason to believe those numbers would improve in a talented Philly offense.
This didn't prove to be the case, with Dotson's production cratering compared to his first two seasons. It was hard to understand what had caused such a drastic drop in production. Playing with Jalen Hurts, A.J. Brown, Saquon Barkley, and DeVonta Smith should only improve your numbers — if not in terms of raw output (it's hard to earn as many looks as Brown or Smith), at least in terms of efficiency. The opposite being the case for Dotson remains a bit of a mystery. Still, there is reason for hope that with offseason reps and another year to work with Hurts, perhaps the numbers will turn in the right direction. A hope that is only being fueled by early camp returns.
Another Penn Stater having a strong week? Jahan Dotson. Just ran a crossing pattern for a TD with Cooper DeJean in coverage.
— Zach Berman (@ZBerm) August 5, 2025
Dotson and Jalen Hurts spent time together this summer while Dotson was in Houston training with Parker Washington. The connection has been evident.
Eagles Hoping for a Bounce-back Season from Struggling Jahan Dotson
Dotson is making impressive strides in Philly camp, aiding hopes of a return to form. This includes a great touchdown catch this week with Cooper DeJean in coverage. It seems that Hurts and Dotson spending extra time together throughout the summer is paying instant dividends. There seems to be improved chemistry and far more trust from the Eagles quarterback. All of this leaves reason to believe perhaps the Philly offense is yet to reach its true ceiling.
It has to be a scary thought for the rest of the league that the defending Super Bowl champs, who blew the dynastic Chiefs off the field, could still get better. This is the reality of what Dotson can do with a return to form. While Brown, Smith, and Barkley will obviously remain the dominating trio, there is zero reason not to expect Dotson to return to his early production. In both of his first two seasons in the league, the pass catcher finished over 500 yards for the year.
This is a reasonable expectation in an offense that is often going to be establishing the run game and feeding its primary star receivers. However, Dotson has a unique chance to become an afterthought capable of creating big plays based on the lack of defensive attention. It is the role Philly envisioned for the pass catcher a season ago, and one Dotson appears finally ready to fill.