Breaking Down Deebo Samuel’s Contract Situation and What It Means for the Commanders
When the Washington Commanders swung a deal for Deebo Samuel last offseason, they weren’t just acquiring a versatile offensive weapon-they were also taking on a layered contract situation. And now, with a key deadline passed and Samuel technically hitting free agency, fans are trying to make sense of what it all means for the team’s future, both on the field and on the books.
Let’s unpack it.
The Contract Move That Sparked the Confusion
The initial panic among Commanders fans started when a post surfaced highlighting a $12.3 million dead cap hit tied to Samuel for the 2026 season. At first glance, that kind of number can feel like a gut punch-especially for a team trying to rebuild and make smart financial moves under new leadership. But context is everything.
Here’s what actually happened: when Washington traded for Samuel, he was entering the final year of his extension with the 49ers. That deal had him set to earn a base salary of $16.6 million in 2025.
Instead of simply taking that on as-is, the Commanders restructured. They guaranteed him $17 million and added $3 million in incentives, spreading the cap hit over two years.
That maneuver brought his 2025 cap hit down to just $5.1 million-a savvy move from a cap management perspective.
The tradeoff? The contract was set to void after the season, and the remaining hit would accelerate into 2026.
That’s where the $12.3 million dead cap number comes from. It’s not a surprise, and it’s not a sign of mismanagement.
It’s standard NFL accounting, used by teams across the league to balance short-term flexibility with long-term planning.
What It Means for the 2026 Cap
The big question fans are asking: does this dead cap hit hurt the Commanders’ ability to spend in free agency?
Short answer: not really.
That $12.3 million number was already baked into the team’s 2026 cap projections. So if you saw Washington listed with $75 million in projected cap space before the contract voided, that number hasn’t changed.
It’s not new money, it’s just now officially on the books. No surprises here-just the mechanics of how void years and guarantees work in today’s NFL.
Samuel’s Future in Washington
Here’s where things get a little more open-ended. With the contract voided, Samuel is now officially a free agent-weeks before the new league year begins. That doesn’t mean he’s done in Washington, but it does mean the team has a decision to make.
Samuel was productive in his lone season with the Commanders. He appeared in 16 games, led the team with 72 catches, posted 727 receiving yards, and found the end zone five times.
That’s solid output, especially considering he had to shift into a more traditional wide receiver role than the hybrid position he thrived in with the 49ers. Injuries played a role in limiting his versatility, but he still brought consistency to a receiving corps that needed it.
That said, it seems clear Washington is eyeing a different kind of playmaker to pair with Terry McLaurin-ideally someone who can stretch the field and bring a vertical threat that Samuel doesn’t consistently offer. Samuel’s projected market value sits around $15.8 million for 2026, according to Spotrac. Whether Washington sees him as worth that price tag-or whether they’re ready to move in a new direction-remains to be seen.
The Bottom Line
There’s no scandal here, no misstep by the front office. The $12.3 million dead cap hit is the result of a calculated cap move that gave the Commanders flexibility in 2025. It’s not a surprise, and it doesn’t derail their plans for 2026.
Now, the real focus shifts to the roster. Will Deebo Samuel be part of Washington’s future, or was 2025 a one-year rental? With free agency just around the corner, we won’t have to wait long to find out.