When the Atlanta Falcons signed Jahan Dotson in free agency, they were widely ridiculed. Pro Football Focus called it the worst signing that the team made this year, and practically every analyst predicted that Atlanta's front office would come to regret the addition.
Football games aren't played on paper, though - and Dotson has blown away all of those low expectations of his game coming into the season.
Heading into Week 7, Dotson has had his best season since the 2023 campaign, totaling 11 catches, 236 yards and two touchdowns. According to PFF, Dotson is leading the NFL in yards per reception ahead of several younger receivers.
Highest yards per reception this season (min. 20 targets) Jahan Dotson 21.5 Denzel Boston 20.3 Jaylin Noel 19.6 Christian
Watson 18.6 Romeo Doubs 18.6 pic.twitter.com/lYXrdmMLTh
— PFF (@PFF) October 23, 2026
Like everything else with this offense, some credit has to go to starting quarterback Michael Penix. In the first two games of the year with Penix sidelined Dotson posted just three catches and 30 yards. Over the last three games he's come alive, totaling 195 yards and two touchdowns while averaging nearly 28 yards per catch.
If Dotson can continue playing like this the rest of the year, not only will Matt Ryan look like a genius for signing him - but it will also lessen Atlanta's need to pick a wide receiver in next year's draft.
That will enable the Falcons to focus more on other key roster needs, such as offensive tackle and cornerback.
This article originally appeared on Falcons Wire: Falcons WR leading the NFL in yards per reception
