The Washington Commanders are facing a pivotal offseason with several key players hitting free agency in 2026, and one name stands out: Deebo Samuel. Brought in through a savvy trade orchestrated by Adam Peters while the team was still in contract talks with Terry McLaurin, Samuel was expected to be a dynamic complement to McLaurin. However, with McLaurin's injury and prolonged negotiations, Samuel found himself stepping into a more significant role than initially planned.
After spending six productive seasons with the San Francisco 49ers and one impactful year with the Commanders, Samuel is poised to explore free agency for the first time in 2026. The buzz around his future is palpable.
During a recent episode of the "Downs 2 Business" podcast, hosted by NFL player Josh Downs and his brother Caleb, a top draft prospect, Samuel was asked about his plans. His response was candid: "I don't know, bro, we'll see how it goes." When pressed about the Commanders' future, Samuel simply stated, "Bro, I'm a free agent, so we're gonna see what's going on."
This conversation highlights Samuel's readiness to test the waters of free agency, a significant milestone in his career. Now 30 years old, Samuel's age will undoubtedly influence his market value, but his talent remains undeniable. Despite having only one season surpassing 1,000 receiving yards, his career stats are impressive: 406 receptions for 5,519 yards and 27 touchdowns, along with 219 carries for 1,218 yards and 21 touchdowns.
Samuel's 2025 performance with the Commanders demonstrated that he still has plenty to offer. Defenses continue to respect his abilities, and wherever he ends up, he's sure to be a game-changer. As the free agency period approaches, all eyes will be on where this veteran wide receiver lands next.