Commanders' $60 million decision suddenly feels impossible to read

The Washington Commanders have some critical decisions to make when the 2026 offseason arrives. Some will be easier than others for general manager Adam Peters, but extending wide receiver Deebo Samuel Sr. is the trickiest to predict right now.

Samuel joined the Commanders via trade from the San Francisco 49ers this offseason. Peters thought it was a risk worth taking, handing a fifth-round pick to his old employers for the versatile offensive weapon. That's proven to be a bargain, with the wideout displaying the consistency and durability that saw him reach All-Pro levels once upon a time.

Even though those days might be long gone for Samuel now, he remains highly productive. And his exceptional performance in Week 17 against the Dallas Cowboys on Christmas Day did nothing to diminish the calls from fans to give him another contract this spring.

Commanders have a tricky decision upcoming as Deebo Samuel finishes strongly

While one could be forgiven for thinking that the Commanders were more interested in planning their offseason vacations, Samuel has no such thoughts in his mind. The former South Carolina standout played with urgency, physicality, and everything in between. He led the team in receiving with 68 yards on two receptions. He also helped himself to 25 rushing yards on two carries, so there was a lot to like about the way the wideout went about his business.

Samuel also came up with a highlight reel moment by smashing Cowboys' safety Donovan Wilson with enough force to knock his helmet off near the goal line. It wasn't enough for Washington to gain bragging rights over its most hated rival, but the prolific pass-catcher couldn't have done much more to turn the tide.

Whether it will alter Peters's thinking about his extension remains to be seen. Market projections predict the receiver will get around $20 million per year on his next deal. The Commanders have enough spare cash to absorb this figure, but the front-office leader might not want to pay big money to another wideout over 30 years old.

It's a complex riddle. The benefits of keeping Samuel around are evident. He's racked up 786 yards from scrimmage and six touchdowns despite having no legitimate consistency under center. What the Commanders need to figure out is whether this could improve in his thirties, or whether there are better options available in free agency or the draft.

Samuel is finishing on the front foot. He's giving Peters plenty to ponder, and if he doesn't get what he's looking for from Washington, another opportunity elsewhere should arrive pretty quickly on the open market.