Deebo Samuel didn’t need long to remind the Washington Commanders what they let walk away.
The Commanders didn’t go out of their way to keep Samuel this offseason, and he spent far longer than expected sitting on the free-agent market. What looked like a messy stretch for the veteran ended with him back in San Francisco, and his first game in his second 49ers stint made one thing clear: there’s still plenty left there.
San Francisco’s convincing win over the Los Angeles Rams in Melbourne, Australia, sent a message in its own right. The result was a surprise, especially given the size of the margin and the amount of preseason buzz surrounding Sean McVay’s team. Samuel’s performance was part of that statement.
He wasted no time settling back into Kyle Shanahan’s system. Samuel is already fluent in what Shanahan wants, and it showed in the way he kept finding space in the short and intermediate parts of the field. The Rams never really solved him.
The 49ers aren’t asking Samuel to be the explosive, all-everything version of himself anymore, and that’s not the point. With Ricky Pearsall out injured and Brandon Aiyuk all but out of the league, San Francisco needed someone steady, efficient, and trustworthy. Samuel gave them exactly that.
He finished with six catches on seven targets for 48 yards and a touchdown. His lone rushing attempt gained 12 yards, and he also handled two kickoff returns for a 37-yard average, totaling 74 return yards.
Deebo put his versatility on full display 🔥 @49ers pic.twitter.com/Ea5cyu00Kb
- NFL (@NFL) September 11, 2026
For a player the league seemed ready to leave behind, it was a sharp reminder of who he is.
Washington got solid production from Samuel after trading for him last year, but things didn’t work out the way the team hoped. General manager Adam Peters moved in another direction, which is part of the business. It also left Samuel with a little extra fuel as he looks to re-establish himself.
And he’s off to the kind of start that makes that easy to believe.
The Commanders, meanwhile, are banking on a reworked receiver group to carry the load beginning this weekend against the Philadelphia Eagles. Terry McLaurin is healthy.
Stefon Diggs, a four-time Pro Bowl selection, is a major addition. Antonio Williams, a third-round rookie, brings upside.
Treylon Burks may be in line for a bigger role after being sold on offensive coordinator David Blough’s plan to stay.
There’s more depth beyond that, too. Luke McCaffrey, Jaylin Lane, and the returning Dyami Brown are all trying to carve out a place. If needed, veteran Van Jefferson Jr. and undrafted rookie Jaden Bradley are on the practice squad after strong summers.
That group might be enough. But if it isn’t, Peters could end up regretting the decision to move on from Samuel without finding a way to keep him around.
It’s only one game, and overreactions are always part of the deal this early. Still, Samuel looks like a player who can build from here now that he’s had time to settle back in after a long offseason wait for his next opportunity.
Sometimes, that’s all the motivation a veteran needs.
In Other News...
Commanders May Be Nearing The End With One Of Their Steadiest Veterans
Tress Way has been one of the most familiar and steady faces in Washington since taking over punting duties in 2014, and the veteran specialist is now openly acknowledging the finish line may be coming into view. Way told reporters the 2026 season could be his last, and he has already let general manager Adam Peters and head coach Dan Quinn know he is strongly considering retirement.
For a player who has earned three Pro Bowl selections and was recently voted a team captain for the fifth time, the possibility carries real weight inside a locker room that has long leaned on his consistency and professionalism. Way has been part of so much of the franchises recent history that his decision will resonate well beyond special teams, even if the final call is still ahead. [Read more 🡒]
Commanders Depth Chart Just Settled A Few Camp Battles Early
The first depth chart of the 2026 season gave the Commanders an early snapshot of where a few camp competitions stand after the opening stretch of work. Treylon Burks showed up as the third receiver ahead of rookie Antonio Williams, while undrafted rookie Tanoa Togiai landed backup spots at both guard positions, giving Washington a clearer picture of how the early roster puzzle is taking shape on offense.
On the other side of the ball, the back end of the defense stayed mostly familiar, with the top cornerbacks and safeties holding their places. Special teams brought one of the more notable developments, too, as Stevens emerged as the new kicker after beating out Jake Moody, another sign that the roster is starting to sort itself out even if a few jobs still have plenty of camp left to play. [Read more 🡒]
Commanders Fans Will Have Strong Feelings About This Kyle Shanahan Debate
Kyle Shanahans name has a way of stirring things up in Washington, even when there is no real movement behind the scenes. NFL insider Jason La Canfora recently floated the idea that Shanahans time with the 49ers could come to an end after the upcoming season, and from there the discussion quickly turned to the Commanders, where the connection is obvious enough to get attention. For a franchise still sorting out its long-term identity, any conversation involving Shanahan naturally pulls fans into the larger debate about what the next era could look like.
Still, the path from speculation to reality looks extremely narrow right now. Shanahan is under contract, has his own history with the organization, and his career has long pointed in a different direction than a return to Washington in either a head coach or offensive coordinator role. For now, there have been no official moves or decisions, which leaves this as more of a fan-friendly debate than a true pursuit, even if it is the kind of possibility Commanders supporters will keep talking about. [Read more 🡒]