Commanders traded for Deebo Samuel Sr.
The Washington Commanders kicked off their 2025 recruitment with a bang. Adam Peters seized the opportunity to add another dynamic playmaker for quarterback Jayden Daniels. He struck a deal with his old employer to achieve this objective.
Deebo Samuel Sr. was the target. The versatile wide receiver had his trade request granted and it became apparent he'd be released if no willing suitor came forward. Instead of biding his time, Peters sent a fifth-round selection to the Niners, leaving nothing to chance.
Samuel is coming off a down year by his typically high standards. The South Carolina product has a lot of tread on the tires, which seemed to take its toll en route to 806 all-purpose yards and four combined touchdowns in 2024.
He's highly motivated to make an impact and should fit seamlessly into Kliff Kingsbury's schematic concepts. The Commanders also fully guaranteed Samuel's $17 million salary and added up to $3 million in incentives. They are confident big things are coming where the former second-round pick is concerned.
That wasn't an opinion shared by the Niners. The fact they're taking on $31 million in dead money suggests San Francisco general manager John Lynch believes Samuel is past his sell-by date. It'll be interesting to see which side of the pendulum this trade swings when it's all said and done.
Commanders running it back with aging veterans
The Commanders re-signed the large majority of their free agents. Some are still awaiting their fate, but general manager Adam Peters' lack of conviction in this crop of available veterans led him to run it back with most of the squad who accomplished so much during the previous campaign.
This was something assistant general manager Lance Newmark hinted was possible during his media availability at the NFL Scouting Combine. The Commanders are keeping to the same long-term strategy — albeit with an extra sense of aggressiveness — despite being way ahead of schedule. Whether it pays off or not is another matter.
Having continuity is important. Most only got one-year extensions, which keeps urgency high. However, this makes preparing for the Commanders a lot easier for the opposition with a lot of the same faces around.
Peters is banking on experience. He's only got five selections during the 2025 NFL Draft as things stand after trades for Deebo Samuel Sr., Laremy Tunsil, and Marshon Lattimore. There wasn't much choice, so the front-office leader is counting on those approaching the twilight of their respective careers to maintain the same high-level production.
Hopefully, the veteran stars in Washington have more to give. But make no mistake, the team's outlook in 2025 depends on it.