Washington Commanders fans were expecting Adam Peters to offload some established figures before this year's trade deadline. But the general manager held firm, despite most experts projecting something entirely different.
Whether no suitable interest arrived, or the offers weren't good enough, is moot. The Commanders will now move forward with what they have in an attempt to salvage some semblance of respectability from the campaign.
Most of the speculation surrounded wide receiver Deebo Samuel Sr. in the hours leading up to the cut-off point. There were murmurings about the Buffalo Bills casting alluring glances at the versatile offensive weapon, with veteran edge rusher Von Miller also drawing rumored interest from his old club. Nothing got rubber-stamped, and both will now stay in Washington.
Commanders held firm on Deebo Samuel despite late trade deadline buzz
This also made the Commanders' stance on Samuel crystal clear. They would have needed a substantial offer to consider parting ways with the All-Pro, which indicates he's got a good chance of earning a new deal once his current contract expires in 2026.
Samuel's production has regressed in recent weeks. He's been fighting his way through a heel injury, and he deserves credit for toughing it out and helping a team in injury disarray at the receiver spot. There was a lot to like about how he applied himself earlier in the campaign, but with quarterback Jayden Daniels also on the shelf, it remains to be seen just how influential he can become.
It was surprising to see Peters stand pat at the deadline. The Commanders are going nowhere this season, and the front-office leader only has six draft selections at his disposal in 2026. Calls were no doubt exchanged, but nothing concrete came to light.
The Commanders have to roll up their sleeves and try to cope with the extreme turbulence. Samuel will be counted upon more than most to spearhead the changing tide. And if he performs well, Peters might reward him with a new contract if the terms work for all parties.
At the very least, Samuel gets the chance to be a focal point rather than just a spoke on the wheel. He'd have had a better chance to contend with anyone looking to secure his services at the trade deadline. Still, it's a more prolonged audition to prove capable of becoming a factor in Washington or elsewhere in his thirties.
Time will tell on that, but the Commanders felt Samuel was worth more than the compensation rumored suitors were willing to pay.