Adam Peters is gaining a strong reputation around the league. The general manager caused another stir by bringing wide receiver Deebo Samuel Sr. to the Washington Commanders via trade during the NFL Scouting Combine.
Samuel might not be the All-Pro force of old, but the Commanders filled a glaring problem with someone Peters knows well from their time together on the San Francisco 49ers. The fact Washington got him for nothing more than a fifth-round selection makes it even better.
This looks like a win-win for Samuel and the Commanders. It provides the offense with another versatile, explosive piece that can be used creatively by offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury. Terry McLaurin gets a legitimate complimentary piece and quarterback Jayden Daniels has another dependable weapon upgrade to utilize.
Peters acquired a potentially high-value playmaker capable of lining up anywhere along the line of scrimmage or even in the backfield. Samuel is coming off a down year statistically, but he can make things happen. His exceptional blocking is an overlooked part of his game that the Commanders will put to good use. That's the icing on the cake.
NFL analyst Tyler Sullivan lauds Commanders' daring trade for Deebo Samuel Sr.
Tyler Sullivan from CBS Sports believes the Commanders came out on the best side of this transaction. The analyst gave Washington an A grade, which represents a major seal of approval that this upstart contender stands to benefit from greatly next season and potentially beyond.
"The Commanders had a clear need for a secondary pass catcher opposite of Terry McLaurin, and [Deebo] Samuel fills that need splendidly. While McLaurin topped 1,000 yards receiving for the fifth consecutive year, no other Washington pass catcher was able to cross that threshold. This landing spot is also interesting for Samuel as it reunites him with current Commanders general manager Adam Peters, who was the vice president of player personnel for the 49ers when the team drafted him in 2019. Peters should have deep knowledge of what Samuel can bring to the offense and know how he'll fit with head coach Dan Quinn and offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury."Tyler Sullivan
This filled a need. It was a financial commitment Peters could absorb. Samuel enters a contract year embarking on a fresh challenge and should be highly motivated to repay the faith shown in him by the Commanders.
Samuel will be 30 years old next season. There have been some slight injury concerns throughout his career, but nothing too drastic since 2020. His time in San Francisco fizzled out without a Super Bowl ring despite a couple of near misses. The Commanders represent a chance to get over the hump after their sensational first campaign under head coach Dan Quinn.
It's hard to envisage a scenario where this trade fails if Samuel stays healthy. The Niners think it won't be much longer before the wideout's expiry date arrives. But if the Commanders can use him effectively within an offense that likes to share the wealth, this trade will be an absolute steal.
The Commanders are swinging for the fences. They believe there is a legitimate chance to win the Super Bowl in 2025. Samuel alone won't be enough, but he gets them closer, that's for sure.