The Washington Commanders are convinced Deebo Samuel Sr. still has plenty of good football left in the tank. A notable contract development cemented this notion in no uncertain terms.
Samuel wanted a fresh challenge and the San Francisco 49ers granted his trade request. Adam Peters sensed an opportunity and struck with conviction to secure the wide receiver's services. It also cost the Commanders nothing more than a fifth-round selection to see if the versatile weapon can return to his previous form.
The Niners weren't going to give Samuel a new deal. While the Commanders haven't either, they did rework the former second-round pick's deal according to Adam Schefter of ESPN.
Commandersw rework Deebo Samuel's contract after blockbuster trade
Schefter revealed that Samuel's salary for the upcoming campaign is now fully guaranteed. The senior insider also confirmed that there's a chance to make a significant amount in incentives to further sweeten the pot.
"The Commanders are guaranteeing $17 million of Deebo Samuel’s previously non-guaranteed salary for this season, along with adding another $3 million worth of incentives, per sources. Samuel now will play this season on a one-year deal worth up to $20 million, including $17 million guaranteed. Samuel’s agent Tory Dandy and Commanders GM Adam Peters negotiated the deal."Adam Schefter
The Commanders made the Niners look even worse by giving Samuel exactly what he wanted. This also increases the risk in case the South Carolina product cannot capitalize on another opportunity in a different environment.
Adding some incentives to Samuel's deal is good business.
It keeps motivation high and provides Samuel with more urgency to reach specific targets. Guaranteeing his salary for the campaign outlines their faith in the wideout to become an important part of the team's plans.
This also gives Peters some breathing space. Samuel might have been looking for a new deal upon his arrival in Washington. Giving him more money upfront while also dangling the carrot of more with good production was a useful compromise. And if the All-Pro showcases his credentials, another new deal won't be too far behind.
The Commanders think Samuel can help. He's a genuine No. 2 option for quarterback Jayden Daniels and could form a prolific partnership with Terry McLaurin if everything goes well. There's a chance this blows up in Washington's face, but they can get off the player next spring if he doesn't meet expectations.
Hopefully, it won't come to that and Samuel thrives. Something that will leave the Niners looking pretty foolish for writing off the player and giving him away from far less than the going rate.
Time will tell on both counts.