Free agency is fast approaching. The Washington Commanders are expected to be aggressive, but general manager Adam Peters must decide the futures of his own free agents before anything else.
None is more high-profile than wide receiver Deebo Samuel Sr. His trade to the Commanders went well in difficult circumstances. But giving him another lucrative contract is a divisive issue with no real confirmed answer right now.
Samuel is taking everything in his stride. During a recent podcast appearance, he subtly revealed his feelings and a soft deadline the Commanders are working towards to keep him from testing the free-agent market when the legal tampering window opens.
Deebo Samuel doesn't know if he'll be back with Commanders in 2026
Speaking on the Downs 2 Business — hosted by Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Josh Downs and his brother, projected top 10 pick Caleb Downs — Samuel revealed there had been nothing really going on between his representatives and the club. And the clock is ticking.
It's a new experience for him, so there is also a sense of trepidation about heading into the unknown. Samuel also stated that March 6 is the date he believes things will become clearer regarding a potential stay in Washington.
The former South Carolina standout is a laid-back character. He'll let his agents handle the business side. Samuel will probably have a couple of preferences in mind, but the versatile weapon also knows that this is the final chance to get another big-time deal.
As for the Commanders? They will have a price in mind for Samuel. Peters also made his feelings clear about paying wide receivers over 30 last summer.
Peters held out until the bitter end with Terry McLaurin, and he's a franchise cornerstone who was coming off a second-team All-Pro campaign. If the front office leader follows suit this time around, all signs point to a parting of the ways.
Samuel will have a market. He was productive last season, despite quarterback Jayden Daniels and his running mate McLaurin missing considerable time. A team looking for one piece to get over the hump might see him as a useful option if the price is right.
Conversely, a franchise like the Las Vegas Raiders, which is going to draft quarterback Fernando Mendoza at No. 1 overall, needs consistent playmakers to smooth his transition. Samuel's ability to make things happen in the short to intermediate levels of the field makes him a nice option. But he may be looking for a playoff contender at this late stage of his NFL journey.
It could go either way. But given the Commanders' desire to find added speed across the board, this could be a one-year arrangement.