Adam Peters said he would be aggressive during the offseason. The Washington Commanders general manager quickly made his statement more substantial.
According to multiple reports, the Commanders pulled off a daring trade for San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Deebo Samuel Sr. This provides the franchise with another weapon for quarterback sensation Jayden Daniels and another complimentary piece to go alongside second-team All-Pro Terry McLaurin.
Samuel and the Niners agreed to go their separate ways after the campaign. The versatile weapon wanted a fresh challenge and general manager John Lynch wanted to do right by the player. And who better to acquire him than the man who was part of the San Francisco brain trust that drafted him in the second round?
The Commanders were almost immediately linked to Samuel. It was a position of need, and Peters' previous knowledge of the player only lent further weight to the claims that Washington was going to make a move. A recent report from Jordan Schultz of FOX Sports hinted that the franchise was making a bold bid for the player.
Now, it's come to fruition.
Commanders secure low-risk, high-reward trade for Deebo Samuel
The financial ramifications haven't been revealed. However, from Peters' perspective, the draft compensation represents decent business.
A fifth-round pick was enough to get Samuel to the Commanders. If the player bounces back from a down year in 2024 and galvanizes his production with one of the league's brightest young quarterbacks leading the charge, it's a small price to pay.
Samuel's versatility and ability to create yards after the catch were traits the Commanders lacked last season. His explosiveness and violent approach with the football in his hands offer intrigue. And honestly, Washington wasn't going to get anything better with its fifth-round selection in the 2025 NFL Draft.
Fans were on the fence about Samuel. He's a little older and the production dip in 2024 left reasons for concern. But if Peters genuinely believes his dynamism has some good football left, that should be enough to provide hope.
This is a fresh start for Samuel on a team ready to contend right now. Daniels' presence under center and the Commanders' culture shift make this team an attractive destination once again. More importantly, it hasn't cost Washington much to find out if there is still something left in the tank.
- Trade Grade: A
The value is there where this trade is concerned. It hasn't sacrificed major assets and keeps future financial flexibility with Samuel in the final year of his deal. It's a win-win for all involved.
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