On March 3, 2026, excitement surrounded the Washington Commanders after the team traded for wide receiver Deebo Samuel, acquiring him for a fifth-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. With just one year left on Samuel’s contract, the team hoped to enhance quarterback Jayden Daniels’ offensive options, especially as Samuel was expected to play a versatile role similar to his time in San Francisco.
Throughout the offseason, Samuel actively participated in all team activities and established a strong connection with Daniels. However, challenges arose during the season. Wide receiver Terry McLaurin faced injuries that sidelined him multiple times, and the team lost running back Austin Ekeler for the entire season early on. This situation forced Samuel into a more conventional role, diverging from the dynamic use the Commanders had envisioned for him.
Despite these changes, Samuel still produced solid statistics: 72 receptions (the second-most of his career), 727 receiving yards (fourth-most), five receiving touchdowns (third-most), along with 75 rushing yards and one rushing touchdown. Nonetheless, his average of 10.1 yards per catch marked a career low, largely due to offensive strategies that relied heavily on screens to maximize his yards after the catch.
As the offseason approaches, questions loom over Samuel’s future with the Commanders. Industry insider Matthew Berry recently indicated that he does not anticipate Samuel returning to the team. This speculation aligns with the Commanders’ need to adapt their offensive strategy under new offensive coordinator David Blough, who aims to implement a system similar to that of the Bears, favoring a more traditional approach focused on running plays and fewer horizontal routes.
Moreover, at 30 years of age, Samuel may not attract a lucrative long-term contract. Spotrac estimates his market value at around $15.8 million, forecasting a two-year deal in the vicinity of $31.5 million, which complicates his potential return to Washington. As the franchise looks forward to embracing a new offensive identity, the next steps for Samuel will be a topic of interest in the approaching offseason.