Deebo Samuel Sr. delivered a solid performance under challenging conditions last season for the Washington Commanders. Despite his efforts, the team as a whole fell short of their high expectations.
Now, Samuel finds himself in free agency, waiting for the right opportunity. While his talent is undeniable, teams are likely weighing their options, especially with the 2026 NFL Draft around the corner.
The Commanders, in need of wide receiver depth, have already added Dyami Brown and Van Jefferson Jr. to their roster. However, this might not be enough to fill the gap. Brandon Aiyuk could become an option if released by the San Francisco 49ers, and General Manager Adam Peters is expected to explore the draft for a long-term solution.
Ben Standig, an independent reporter covering the Commanders, has expressed skepticism about bringing Samuel back. He pointed out the uncertainties surrounding the team's current slot receivers, Luke McCaffrey and Jaylin Lane, but suggested the money required to re-sign Samuel could be better allocated elsewhere, such as reinforcing the offensive line.
Samuel's projected contract value is around $15 million per season, according to Spotrac. While that figure may not be realistic at this point in the offseason, Samuel might be willing to take a pay cut to join a playoff contender. The Commanders were in that category last year, but their current status is less certain.
With ample cap space, the Commanders have the flexibility to make significant moves. Whether they choose to act now or later remains to be seen.
If they manage to secure Aiyuk and a promising draft pick, they might not need Samuel. However, if those plans don't pan out, Samuel could become a viable option once again.
As the draft concludes, the market for the former All-Pro is likely to heat up.