Washington Commanders fans are betting on Deebo Samuel Sr. to grow into a genuine No. 2 wide receiver opposite Terry McLaurin this season, with the organization confident the pairing can elevate the passing game. The integration into Washington’s offense has shown promise this summer, and the lack of friction between Samuel and the system has researchers quietly optimistic about a career resurgence for the versatile playmaker.
Samuel arrived in Washington with big expectations, and early signs suggest the fit could be favorable. He has looked more comfortable on the field, and his chemistry with quarterback Jayden Daniels has developed quickly since joining the team. For a player who once reached All-Pro status, the Washington environment appears to be a favorable backdrop for a late-career offensive burst.
Still, a notable NFL analyst is raising questions about Samuel’s ceiling this season. Brandon Deeg of The Score pointed to Samuel’s down year in 2024, when he posted 51 catches for 670 yards while logging a heavy snap count, and he noted Samuel’s lack of route-running polish could become a more significant obstacle as he ages. Deeg suggested that if Samuel maintains his current trajectory, he might struggle to command a lucrative deal in 2026, given the dependence on yards after catch rather than elite route-running.
The Commanders are betting that Samuel’s strengths will outpace those concerns. The move to acquire him came at a relatively modest cost—a fifth-round pick—buoyed by the belief that Samuel can re-create the explosive element he once brought to the offense. The upshot is a fast, efficient offense built around getting the ball out quickly to playmakers, a philosophy that should keep defenses honest and provide more opportunities for McLaurin and veteran Noah Brown downfield.
If Samuel can’t reach the billing, Washington has a straightforward path to moving on when his contract expires next year. If he exceeds expectations, though, general manager Adam Peters would be wise to pursue a new deal to keep him in the fold.
The optimism is balanced by a practical view: Samuel faces real questions about route running and the ability to separate without scheme help. Yet the pairing with a quick-hitting offense under Kliff Kingsbury gives him a structure tailored to his strengths, with the hope that the Commanders’ offense becomes more efficient and balanced and Daniels can grow alongside a proven playmaker.
What to watch as the season unfolds
– Samuel’s ability to create separation within Kingsbury’s quick-release concepts
– The durability and impact of his yards-after-catch capability in a more streamlined offense
– Daniels’ development as a passer and how the Commanders maximize Samuel and McLaurin downfield
– How Washington manages Samuel’s usage and contract status heading toward 2026
– The overall balance of the offense and whether the quick-strike approach translates into sustained success
Overall, the combination of a favorable environment, a proven play-caller, and Samuel’s track record offers a hopeful storyline for a return to form, even as skeptics watch closely for signs of aging or a slowing step. If the chemistry clicks and the system plays to his strengths, this could be a season of revitalization for a dynamic receiver in a new uniform.