Deebo Samuel Sr.'s future with the Washington Commanders remains a fierce topic of debate among fans. The wide receiver's trade to the franchise went as well — if not better, in all honesty — than expected. Whether it's worth another financial commitment is another matter entirely.
Some fans want Samuel to stick around, but only if the money works. Others are ready to move on, eager for the Commanders to spend what it would likely take to keep him around on a younger wideout with more explosive play capabilities.
It's a fine line, but one respected team insider gave the strongest hint yet that Samuel and the Commqanders will go their separate ways when the free-agent frenzy commences.
Commanders insider doesn't think Deebo Samuel will get the money he wants from Washington
John Keim of ESPN, during an appearance on The Bram Weinstein Show, thought there was a pretty strong chance Samuel wouldn't be retained by Peters. How the Commanders handled Terry McLaurin's extension last season, coupled with the need for speed, led the insider to suggest Washington will explore alternatives when the time comes.
"You need to add more explosive elements to this offense. And we already know from last season how they're going to be looking at receivers aged 30 and over. How is Deebo's game going to age? But you want more speed and downfield possibilities with this offense. That's not what Deebo does. I think the price might be too much to stick with him. Was he that good that you have to bring him back?"John Keim
It's a fair argument. Samuel might get an offer if he's willing to accept a little less to stick around, but he'll also probably get the chance to see what else is out there before potentially going back to the Commanders to see if they want to match it.
Peters knows how quickly receivers can decline after turning 30. It's why he held his ground during a long contract standoff with Terry McLaurin last summer, who was coming off a second-team All-Pro season. Samuel's production is already on a slide from its prime. Overpaying just to retain continuity just doesn't seem smart.
The Commanders need more dynamism. They need more youth to fit into a long-term plan. They need to avoid rash gambles for aging veterans who don't have much longer left at the top. Nothing has been confirmed, and it remains a fluid situation, but it's starting to look like Samuel won't be in a Washington uniform next time around.
This was a good trade to make at the time. Even though Samuel's production couldn't mask other glaring failings around the team, perhaps a contender will see him as a good fit to help them get over the hump.
And if the growing momentum is any indication, the Commanders may not do much to stand in his way.