The Washington Commanders got plenty of attention for a busy offseason so far. And there's still the 2025 NFL Draft to get through.
A sizable handful of free-agent signings and re-signings dominated the team headlines in recent weeks. But for Jeffri Chadiha of NFL.com, it was a trade that stuck out enough to land Washington on his list of the 10 best offseason moves.
The move in question was Washington's acquisition of former San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Deebo Samuel Sr., which ranked fourth on Chadiha's list. Though the versatile weapon is coming off of a down year by his Pro Bowl-caliber standards, the Commanders were able to fill a major need at their No. 2 wideout slot while only giving up a fifth-round pick for the six-year veteran.
NFL analyst tips Deebo Samuel to shine with Commanders in 2025
Chadiha speculates that Samuel could be in line for a bounce-back season with his new squad, as the Commanders possess similar variables to what the Niners boasted during his best seasons.
"[Deebo] Samuel is a physical receiver who also brings added versatility as a runner and gadget-play option. You have to assume offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury already has spent ample time contemplating all the ways he can utilize that skill set next season."Jeffrey Chadiha
There is certainly a world in which Samuel returns to his peak form in Washington.
Washington got better-than-expected production out of most of its veteran additions a year ago. The winning culture that head coach Dan Quinn and general manager Adam Peters established served as a key catalyst for that. The Commanders' system has maximized the talents of the players in it, and Samuel could become the latest example.
Samuel's placement on Chadiha's list is interesting as this wasn't even the biggest trade that Washington made this spring. Peters' move to acquire five-time Pro Bowl left tackle Laremy Tunsil from the Houston Texans is likely to be much more impactful for the Commanders if he continues his elite-level protection in a different environment.
That said, Chadiha notes that Samuel "should generate the most excitement around D.C.," which is a fair assessment. He plays a position that's much more visible on the field. The former second-round pick can provide Washington with no shortage of highlight-reel grabs and ankle-breaking jukes as he escapes defenders on the run. Tunsil will quietly do his unsung dirty work in the trenches as the blindside enforcer for quarterback Jayden Daniels.
This excitement that Samuel figures to bring is key. The Commanders are coming off of a 12-win regular season and an NFC Championship game appearance. They have put themselves in an ideal position to compete for Super Bowls in the years to come.
Now is the time to capitalize on that position. The Commanders have done so by snagging some of the top headline-grabbing names on the trade market.
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