Austin Ekeler - Commanders RB
Deebo Samuel Sr. is a wide receiver by trade. However, his versatility is something that sets him apart from most wideouts operating around the league.
Slotting Samuel into Kliff Kingsbury's creative offensive scheme comes with mouthwatering potential attached. He can do everything, line up anywhere along the line of scrimmage, and even make his presence felt as a backfield weapon is the situation dictates.
That's not a bad tool for Kingsbury to have in his arsenal. Picking and choosing Samuel's spots will be crucial, but the impressive play-caller will already be conjuring up ways to maximize his new toy.
Samuel's ability to run the football and catch passes out of the backfield became a difficult proposition to stop during his prolific stint with the San Francisco 49ers. If the Washington Commanders adopt a similar philosophy, Austin Ekeler's influence could be impacted more than most.
Ekeler was a free-agent signing last spring. He formed a decent tandem with Brian Robinson Jr. and earned second-team All-Pro honors as a kick returner. However, concussion issues and performance regression in the playoffs tainted his overall body of work.
It would be surprising if Ekeler wasn't on the roster in 2025. What sort of role he'll have if Samuel gets some work in the backfield is anyone's guess.
Noah Brown - Commanders WR
Noah Brown is another who could be impacted by Deebo Samuel Sr.'s arrival. The wide receiver doesn't have the same playing style, but his future with the squad remains murky with free agency on the immediate horizon.
Brown was a late addition to the Commanders before Week 1. Those in power struck with conviction to secure his services once he was released by the Houston Texans. After an expected bedding-in period, the former seventh-round selection started to impose himself as the campaign wore on.
There were some notable highlights from Brown's perspective. None were more memorable than his Hail Mary touchdown catch as time expired against the Chicago Bears. This won NFL Play of the Year and also earned a spot in the Pro Football Hall of Fame for good measure.
The Ohio State product got dealt a blow just when momentum was starting to build. Brown suffered a serious internal issue versus the Tennessee Titans and wasn't seen again. Unless it's for a team-friendly, short-term agreement, the chance of Washington extending him appears remote.
Brown is a field stretcher with a 6-foot-2 frame, which contrasts Samuel's impressive traits. Even so, the money has to work and the wideout must prove his health before the Commanders give him a new deal.