This offseason, the Washington Commanders made it obvious what they intended to do. Adam Peters was not going to sit back and wait for everything to fall into his lap. He was forceful and acted decisively to secure his favored targets.
This began with a trade for wide receiver Deebo Samuel Sr. from the San Francisco 49ers. The Commanders gave up a fifth-round pick to cross the line, which is little compensation if the versatile weapon returns to Pro Bowl form within offensive coach Kliff Kingsbury’s schematic designs.
It appears to be a win-win for all parties, especially because the Commanders have guaranteed Samuel’s pay and added $3 million in incentives. It’s a contract year for the former second-round choice, who is eager to silence his critics and demonstrate that San Francisco made a big mistake by allowing him to pursue his career elsewhere.
The transfer was favorably appreciated by fans and analysts alike. Samuel is a high-caliber performer at the pinnacle of his abilities who believes there is still a lot of good football remaining. Having Jayden Daniels at center and Terry McLaurin opposite him will be quite beneficial, so anticipate this to make a significant difference when competitive action resumes.
NFL expert Kevin Patra added his name to the list of those who supported the Deebo Samuel deal, giving it an optimistic grade. The analyst graded this deal a B-plus, highlighting Samuel’s potential in Kingsbury’s offense as well as the similarities between this move and the one made by the Houston Texans for NFL Rookie of the Year last spring.
“This move is similar to Houston’s acquisition of Stefon Diggs last year; Washington is getting a “determined” player who will complement WR1 Terry McLaurin.” Taking on Samuel’s $17.46 million cap number for 2024 and giving away a selection lowers Washington’s grade slightly, but adding another playmaker for Jayden Daniels was never going to be cheap. The last contract adjustment, which included $3 million in incentives, was a wise decision by the front office, providing another carrot for Samuel to chase.”
Stefon Diggs’ journey to the Texans ended prematurely due to injury. Perhaps the most significant element in quarterback C.J. Stroud’s sophomore slump was their offensive line’s failures. That is something the Commanders want to avoid after paying big resources to acquire five-time Pro Bowl left tackle Laremy Tunsil from Houston.
What Stroud thinks of that action is anyone’s guess, but the Commanders won’t care. They are clearly intent on maximizing Daniels’ rookie contract before it becomes significantly more expensive. Peters is aware of this, having done it with Brock Purdy in San Francisco, and this experience should benefit him in the coming years.
Samuel’s entrance is not without risk. He’s received a lot of criticism throughout his career, and the South Carolina graduate’s output dropped in 2024. The Niners’ willingness to eat $34.1 million in dead money indicates that they believe his performance decline was the beginning of something more serious.
What is crucial to Samuel is shifting the narrative in Washington. If he accomplishes this feat, it will significantly boost the team’s postseason hopes.
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