The New England Patriots find themselves in a tight spot as they try to finalize their wide receiver roster. The big question is: who will secure that last coveted spot?
Ja’Lynn Polk and Javon Baker, both drafted to grow alongside quarterback Drake Maye, are expected to be key future contributors to the offense. Meanwhile, Demario Douglas, K.J. Osborn, and Kendrick Bourne are considered locks, with the trio likely forming the starting lineup once Bourne recovers from his injury. Jalen Reagor seems to have secured his place as a kick returner, leaving little room for others.
However, the Patriots still have a tough decision to make between Tyquan Thornton and Kayshon Boutte, who are both fiercely competing for what could be the final spot on the roster—assuming Bourne isn’t ready for the season opener.
But could someone else swoop in and claim that position?
Washington Commanders head coach Dan Quinn recently mentioned that he was “right in the middle” of deciding who would be the team’s primary receiving option after star receiver Terry McLaurin. This sparked speculation that it might be a subtle message aimed at former first-round pick Jahan Dotson.
“DQ didn’t draft me,” Dotson, the No. 16 overall pick in the 2022 NFL Draft, told the Washington Post. “Every year in this profession, you’ve got to prove yourself. You’ve got to show what you’re worth and what you can do. That’s what I’m here to do.”
While Washington may be comfortable with another option to complement McLaurin, Dotson’s future with the team isn’t guaranteed. Quinn spoke highly of other receivers like Olamide Zaccheaus and Luke McCaffrey, signaling a possible shift in the depth chart.
How does this impact the Patriots?
With extra draft capital in hand, New England could be eyeing a potential move for Dotson. NFL reporter Gregg Rosenthal hinted at this possibility, tweeting, “The more Commanders coaches talk, the more I wonder if Jahan Dotson is on their Week 1 roster.” While Washington is unlikely to cut Dotson, there’s a real chance they could look to trade him to recoup some value, especially since he’s slightly underperformed.
Dotson, who has 84 catches for 1,041 yards and 11 touchdowns in 29 games, experienced a dip in his second season. Despite this, he clearly has the talent to contribute, and his skillset might be a better fit with a team like the Patriots, who have room to give him playing time. Notably, Dotson impressed against New England last season with four catches for 69 yards and a touchdown.
The Patriots shouldn’t overpay for Dotson, but if the opportunity arises, offering a fifth-round pick might be enough to bring him aboard. With a preseason matchup between these two teams scheduled for next Saturday, we might see this situation develop further.
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