Although the Eagles trade surprised him, Jahan Dotson expressed his excitement.

The new Eagles’ WR also said he’s never been on a team with as much talent as they have in Philly.

The Philadelphia Eagles were fresh off their final preseason game of the year, and new WR Jahan Dotson spoke to reporters for his first time since being traded by Washington. The former first-round draft pick — with a football in his arms — spoke about his reaction to the trade and what his role will be among such a talented offense.

Dotson admitted that despite growing up just over an hour away from Philly, he wasn’t an Eagles fan, but said that he and his whole family became Eagles fans now — he also coyly avoided answering which team he did root for.

Here’s what the wide receiver had to say:

On his reaction to the trade
“It was a shock.”

Dotson understands that it’s just business, but noted all he’s known in the NFL thus far is the Washington Commanders, so this is all new to him.

“It all happened so fast, you don’t kind of get to react to it, but I would say being out here today, and being on the field and kind of taking the field and taking it all in a little bit, I’m very excited.

He went on to say that he got goosebumps leaving the field after the Eagles third preseason game, and as someone who grew up 1.5 hours away from Philly, he understands the passion and how much fans care about the team.

The WR spoke to Washington head coach Dan Quinn and GM Adam Peters, who said that think very highly of Dotson, making the trade was just something that happened — as it does around the league all the time.

“I’m not going to take it personal, until I see Washington, but it’s exciting.”

On how he fits in the offense
With so many offensive weapons, Dotson said he just wants to do whatever he can to help the team win and to make the most of his opportunities and role. He admitted that he doesn’t know what his role is going to be just yet, but he’s eager to start learning whatever they ask him to do.

“We have a lot of weapons and I look at that as a great thing. We have a lot of people who can make a lot of plays, so it’s going to be fun.

I’ve never — in all of my years playing, I’ve never been on a team with this much talent.”

Dotson went on to say that he’s not just excited to play with his new teammates, but he’s excited to learn from them, too.

As for how quickly he’d be ready to play without any preseason experience, Dotson acknowledged that it’s up to him and how much he devotes to learning the playbook, but said that he knows his work ethic and will do what he needs to do.

“I want to get on the field right away, and will do everything in my power to make sure that I’m ready when that opportunity comes.”

He’s been diving into the playbook his first few days with the team, noting he’s been coming in early, and even got a few hours before the preseason game in the classroom. Dotson had a meeting scheduled for after the game, and had a Zoom call later on, too. His goal is to be as familiar with the playbook as possible so he can play fast and carefree.

Other notables
Dotson spoke to former college teammate Saquon Barkley about an hour after the trade, with the new RB telling the new WR to keep his head and up and just show and get to work. Barkley explained that they’ve got a good thing going — great coaching staff, great locker room, so Dotson just needs to come in and put his head down, and get to work.
The WR said that he had a good amount of interaction with the Eagles during his pre-draft process, including a Top 30 visit to Philly. Dotson said he had a good conversation with head coach Nick Sirianni and had a good relationship with GM Howie Roseman.
He talked about building a little bit of a relationship with A.J. Brown this offseason when they trained together. Dotson said it’ll be nice to compete with Brown and learn from each other.