The Washington Commanders are not going to sit on their hands this offseason. Adam Peters flexed his aggressive muscle once again by adding another prolific weapon for quarterback Jayden Daniels with free agency on the immediate horizon.
Rumors have been swirling for weeks regarding the Commanders potentially making a bold move for Deebo Samuel Sr. Peters used his previous knowledge of the wideout and relationships with the San Francisco 49ers' front office to get the deal over the line.
The Commanders secured Samuel's services for a fifth-round selection. They will reportedly acquire $17 million of the player's salary in the final year of his deal. San Francisco is taking on substantial dead cap money, but general manager John Lynch wanted to do right by the versatile pass-catcher after a prolific career with the franchise.
Commanders flex their muscle with bombshell Deebo Samuel trade
Peters was only too happy to sacrifice a day three draft pick for Samuel. This also proved that the Commanders are serious about winning right now.
It's been a major turnaround in such a short timeframe. The Commanders went from a perennial bottom-feeder to the final four during the 2024 season. Peters did this without jeopardizing future financial flexibility, allowing him to strike when opportunities arise for proven performers.
They are a win-now team. Peters is not going to wait around and let things come to him. The front-office leader takes what he wants and has the team's interests at the forefront. This is yet another transaction that puts the entire NFL on notice.
Samuel comes with risk attached. He's got 536 combined touches (receptions and carries) throughout his career. He's dealt with injury concerns and his production dipped in 2024 as the Niners failed to meet expectations. But if Peters — a man who was in San Francisco when they spent a second-round pick on the wideout — believes this can help, fans should trust his judgment.
It's not costing the Commanders much to find out if Samuel can still reach Pro Bowl-caliber levels. They weren't going to get a better player with their fifth-round selection and the free-agent class isn't exactly loaded with viable options. What this means for the futures of Dyami Brown and Olamide Zaccheaus is anyone's guess, but that's of no concern to Peters.
The Commanders have arrived. Samuel isn't going to solve every problem in pursuit of unseating the Philadelphia Eagles. However, he gets them closer.
Peters means business. His trade for four-time Pro Bowl cornerback Marshon Lattimore before the 2024 deadline represented a seismic shift in his approach. Acquiring Samuel is another example of the Commanders' conviction and their confidence in Daniels.
If the league wasn't taking the Commanders seriously before, they should now. They've got glaring holes to fill and 28 free agents to navigate before their roster becomes clearer. Trading for Samuel confirms they will stop at nothing to ensure their sensational run to the NFC Championship game becomes the start of something special.
Samuel and Terry McLaurin are a mouthwatering wide-receiver tandem. If the South Carolina product stays healthy, it's hard to envisage a scenario where he doesn't assist greatly.
This is another big-time move that represents a significant statement from the Commanders. And the best part? Peters is just getting started.