Eagles Reportedly Decline Jahan Dotson's 5th-Year Contract Option for 2026 NFL Season

In an expected move, the Philadelphia Eagles have reportedly declined the fifth-year option on wideout Jahan Dotson's contract, per Jordan Schultz of Fox Sports, putting him in line to become a free agent after the 2025 season.

Dotson would have earned a projected $16.8 million in 2026 had the Eagles exercised the option.

Dotson, the No. 16 overall pick of the Washington Commanders in the 2020 NFL draft, hasn't had the sort of production that will match the payout on his fifth-year option.

In two seasons with Washington, he caught 84 passes for 1,041 yards and 11 touchdowns, decent production but not the level that warrants a first-round selection. The Commanders cut ties rather quickly, trading him and a 2025 fifth-rounder to the Eagles before last season for a third-rounder and two seventh-rounders.

Dotson slotted into the No. 3 wideout role behind A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith but was something of an afterthought in a loaded offense that also included Saquon Barkley and Dallas Goedert, finishing with 19 catches for 216 yards in the regular season.

He did reel in a big reception in the Super Bowl, setting up a touchdown, and finished with three receptions for 42 yards. But Dotson didn't emerge as a regular weapon for the Eagles last season, making the decision to decline his option an obvious one.

Dotson will likely remain the No. 3 wideout in 2025, barring the Birds adding a wideout early in the draft. That would be a surprise, however, given bigger needs on the defensive line, secondary and at guard. And the No. 3 receiving role could come with more targets next season if the Eagles ultimately trade Goedert, which has been rumored.

So Dotson could have more of an opportunity to showcase his talents next season, giving him the chance to bolster his market in free agency in the process.