The Washington Commanders' rumor mill primarily centers on either Stefon Diggs or Brandon Aiyuk. Fans are expecting one of them to eventually join the club, but which one and when that'll be is still undetermined.
For all the smoke around Aiyuk and Diggs, there is almost none around the Commanders potentially re-signing Deebo Samuel Sr. He's still sitting on the market after Washington didn't bring him back initially. That is surprising, given how well he performed last season, but he might just be waiting for the right opportunity.
One analyst believes he may have found it. And it's not returning to the Commanders.
Deebo Samuel touted as ideal Colts fit as Commanders seemingly move on
Matt Bowen of ESPN named the Indianapolis Colts as the best landing spot for Samuel. He thought the presence of head coach Shane Steichen could put a plan together to maximize his skill set, especially when it comes to his ability to generate yards after the catch.
"[Deebo] Samuel would bring a unique skill set to coach Shane Steichen's offense as a complement to Alec Pierce and slot man Josh Downs. Steichen can create a long runway for Samuel to get up to speed on crossers, while building in manufactured touches on screens and fly sweeps.
"Signing Samuel, who caught 72 passes last season in Washington, would also give quarterback Daniel Jones another catch-and-run target alongside tight end Tyler Warren. Both Samuel and Warren ranked in the top 15 of yards after the catch last season."
This makes sense. The Colts are a borderline wild-card challenger if everyone gets a clear run of luck on the health front and quarterback Daniel Jones makes a successful return from a torn Achilles. Their defense is solid. They also have running back Jonathan Taylor, wide receiver Alec Pierce, tight end Tyler Warren, and a formidable offensive line. If the money works, this does make a ton of sense.
With Pierce set to miss a couple more months, the Colts could bring in Samuel to provide veteran assistance. He could learn the scheme, develop chemistry with his new teammates, and ready himself for the regular-season challenges. This wouldn't be anything more than a one-year deal, but the former South Carolina standout is only going to get that from anyone else at this stage of the offseason, too.
Samuel may be looking for a place where he can legitimately contend. He thought that would be the case in Washington, but it wasn't to be. With the Commanders seemingly reluctant to bring him back, a similar situation he walked into with Washington last season would be preferable.
The Commanders have probably moved on. But there should still be another opportunity awaiting Samuel at some stage.
He contributed far too much last season for anything less.
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