Deebo Samuel Sr. is still sitting on the proverbial scrap heap after the Washington Commanders didn't bring him back in free agency. Somewhat surprising, but it also comes with a harsh new reality for the veteran wide receiver.
According to one insider, there is no smoke around Samuel's next stop, and no murmurings of definite interest from anywhere.
Everyone knows what Samuel can do. The Commanders gave up a fifth-round pick for the versatile offensive weapon last offseason. Nothing much went right, but he emerged as a shining light amid the chaos, staying professional and productive in difficult circumstances.
Mike Florio pours cold water on Deebo Samuel's post-Commanders market before training camp
That has not been enough for another team to take the plunge. Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk hasn't heard of any willing suitor looking to bring him on board. And this harsh realization is probably going to provide a rude awakening for wideout's pocket when it's all said and done.
“Deebo is a confusing case, because I haven’t seen or heard a word about anyone interested in Deebo Samuel. What Deebo Samuel has to accept is that he’s going to be making a hell of a lot less than he’s been making to do the same thing he’s always done.”
Samuel has $82.42 million in career earnings from NFL contracts. He'll have made a ton more through endorsements. Projections of $15 million per year on his next deal are now really far-fetched, and even though he's productive enough to get a decent financial commitment from another club, it might be nothing more than a short-term arrangement.
The Commanders have moved on. There was merit to bringing Samuel back, and getting re-signed remains a slight possibility if general manager Adam Peters believes another dependable weapon is required. At the same time, this ship may have sailed, especially if Washington is intent on adding more speed to the group.
There is no doubt Samuel was looking forward to free agency. It was his first chance to pick his next destination, and he wanted to embrace the entire process. Unfortunately, it probably hasn't gone as he expected.
Maybe the asking price was too high. Maybe more teams than not believe there isn't much left for the South Carolina product to give. Maybe it's a combination of both, but it has to cause a pivot to get his foot back in the door.
The NFL is a business. Once the perceived price decreases, Samuel will be more coveted. That's typically the way things work, and there are a few potential contenders who should be circling the All-Pro as a versatile weapon who can still make plays as a complementary piece.
Just who that'll be is anyone's guess.
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