The shockwaves are still reverberating from Jahan Dotson being traded to the Philadelphia Eagles. After an indifferent training camp where the wide receiver fell further down the pecking order after not becoming a good scheme fit, the Washington Commanders parted ways with the former first-round pick to a division rival.
Speculation immediately followed about what general manager Adam Peters might have up his sleeve. Bold trade rumors around Brandon Aiyuk resurfaced, but nothing has materialized as yet. The new front-office leader might be waiting to see which players get cut around the league. It's also a sign that confidence in the team's current options is higher than initially projected.
One player who stands to benefit greatly from Dotson's departure has come to the fore this offseason. Dyami Brown got one final opportunity to prove himself despite another underwhelming campaign in 2023. It's the last-chance saloon for the former third-round pick - something he's acutely aware of looking at his surge in production.
Commanders' new regime can get more from Dyami Brown in 2024
Brown developed a downfield rapport with rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels that could be crucial to the Commanders' hopes of putting more points on the board. He's improved consistency and is brimming with confidence. Getting it done when things matter more is the big test, but one cannot be anything other than thrilled with the North Carolina product when all hope seemed lost before Washington's offseason program.
This contribution didn't go unnoticed by Dan Quinn. Brown caught the head coach's eye early and stayed in the spotlight. The former Dallas Cowboys defensive coordinator is a fan and believes his physical profile can assist the Commanders based on comments via the team's website.
I thought you've seen some big plays from Dyami [Brown] through this training camp. There's actually some in the spring that got my attention, to say, 'Okay what's there?' And his ability to get on top of people and stay. He's got size, he's got length, so there's actually a good play in the one-on-ones that transferred into the game to go.Dan Quinn via Commanders.com
Brown admitted to being shocked by Dotson's departure when speaking to the media following Friday's practice. But deep down, the wideout should see this as a huge confidence boost and vindication for all his hard work throughout the preparation period.
Fans have been sold fool's gold with Brown before. He flashes constantly during the summer without any substance attached when the real action arrives. Ron Rivera and his staff had almost no trust in the player. It seems like Quinn and offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury hold a different opinion.
Considering how rookie third-rounder Luke McCaffrey and veteran free-agent signing Olamide Zaccheaus are also stepping up, it's not hard to figure out why Dotson was made surplus to requirements. This is a monumental opportunity for Brown to prove he can be a capable NFL performer. It's also a contract year for the player, so the added motivation is there for all to see.
If Brown can finally put everything together, the Commanders stand to reap some hefty rewards. Whether he can accomplish this after three relatively anonymous years in Washington is another matter.
