The Washington Commanders are riding on the crest of a wave after securing wide receiver Deebo Samuel Sr. via trade from the San Francisco 49ers. Adam Peters' latest daring move was met with widespread approval, but that didn't stop one prominent NFL analyst from providing a harsh reality check.
Samuel is coming off a down year. While the numbers were still good, the Niners believe his best years are behind him. Shipping the former South Carolina standout to Washington for a fifth-round pick is proof positive of that.
That's not an opinion shared by Peters. He thinks Samuel has a lot to offer and will be highly motivated to silence his doubters. This is also a contract year for the wideout, so the urgency of another payday only enhances his chances of bouncing back in an established culture.
Dan Orlovsky states the obvious about Commanders after Deebo Samuel trade
Fans are excited to see what Samuel can bring to an offense that already has Jayden Daniels and Terry McLaurin. Former quarterback turned ESPN analyst Dan Orlovsky poured cold water on the transaction, stating that it'll take much more for the Commanders to keep pace with the Philadelphia Eagles.
"I also don't think they can fall into the trap thinking they're that close. Five wins on the last play of the game, essentially. That's not likely in the NFL. While they're encouraged and intriguing, they're not one move, one Deebo Samuel away from chasing down Philadelphia. There are still flaws in this roster that they've got to have a, very much so, attack mindset, and not resting on the success of last year mindset."Dan Orlovsky
This isn't exactly breaking news. It's a reality check after the initial optimism, but something fans and Peters are fully aware of.
Peters knows how much hard work is ahead this offseason. He's got 28 free agents to navigate and only 47 players under contract right now. Huge changes are coming to the playing personnel once again. Samuel fills a big need at the No. 2 spot next to McLaurin, but that doesn't solve Washington's defensive issues or the offensive line.
The Commanders have a plan in place for sustained growth. Peters is being more aggressive with Washington's window for another Super Bowl opening quicker than anticipated, but he's also got half an eye on the future. This is also an attractive destination once again, which is only going to help find the right recruits.
Orlovsky didn't tell the team's fanbase or those in positions of power anything they didn't already know. Samuel is an important chess piece. He's also part of a much bigger strategy to make the Commanders a force to be reckoned with once again in 2025.
Nobody thinks the Commanders are one player away. They achieved more than anyone dreamed of in the first season under Dan Quinn. Their next task is making sure these immediate accomplishments aren't just a flash in the pan. Samuel will help. Just how much has yet to be determined.
Peters is off to a great start by acquiring Samuel. And looking at his take-no-prisoners mindset toward recruitment, this is just the start.