The Washington Commanders made a concerted effort to surround quarterback Jayden Daniels with everything needed to thrive in Year 2 of his professional career. This was the correct path after the No. 2 overall selection in the 2024 NFL Draft took the league by storm.
Adam Peters has to maximize Daniels' rookie contract before he becomes extension-eligible. That deal is going to be record-breaking if the same trend continues, so seizing the moment while things are much cheaper is imperative.
Peters did this by securing the services of two proven Pro Bowl-caliber performers in the trade market. Prolific left tackle Laremy Tunsil is one of the league's most accomplished blindside protectors. The Commanders also acquired wide receiver Deebo Samuel Sr. from the San Francisco 49ers, which brings significant intrigue to the offensive dynamic.
Samuel is coming off a down year by his All-Pro standards. The Niners wanted to go in a different direction, and Peters was only too happy to give up a fifth-round pick for someone who could have a huge influence on Kliff Kingsbury's schematic concepts. If the former second-round pick out of South Carolina bounces back, this has the makings of an absolute steal.
Commanders plan to exploit Deebo Samuel's explosive versatility in 2025
Dan Quinn dropped a not-so-subtle hint on what the Commanders have planned for Samuel during his media availability at the annual league meetings. The head coach will tap into the wideout's versatility as the driving force behind his potential impact. Washington will play to his strengths and have the utmost confidence that Kingsbury can put him in the best possible position to succeed.
"Inside, outside, in the backfield. All the spots. Fortunately, you know, Kliff [Kingsbury] is really equipped at that too. He's had to be unique with the featured players to put them into their best spots. So really pumped to have him here."Dan Quinn via NBC Sports
This is the correct call. Something that can help Samuel respond positively in a contract year.
The Commanders already have an elite boundary pass-catcher in Terry McLaurin, who broke the franchise record for receiving touchdowns in a regular season last time around en route to Pro Bowl and second-team All-Pro honors. Moving Samuel around to exploit any weak links in coverage is only going to help. And with Daniels under center, the football will almost always be in the right place at the right time.
This is the most productive running mate McLaurin's ever had in the wideout room. It's a dynamic one-two punch capable of causing endless problems to opposing defenses. With veteran tight end Zach Ertz back and the offensive line set to improve, hopes are high that Daniels can avoid the dreaded NFL sophomore slump that has blighted so many quarterbacks throughout league history.
Samuel shouldn't be lacking in motivation. He's heard the criticism from some in the media. He'll know how much dead money the Niners are taking on by giving up on his talent ahead of time. Silencing his doubters and becoming an asset will help the Commanders and the player's chances of getting another lucrative deal following the campaign.
It's a low-risk, high-reward move by the Commanders. One that could have major benefits attached when it's all said and done.
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