The Washington Commanders sent shockwaves through the NFL with another bold trade. After intense speculation, general manager Adam Peters struck a deal with his old employers for wide receiver Deebo Samuel Sr. The price was nothing more than a fifth-round pick.
This represents tremendous value if Samuel returns to something like his old form. The Commanders are taking on $17.46 million of his salary, but they've got more than enough cap space to absorb that. With veteran defensive tackle Jonathan Allen set to depart via trade or release, the savings attached almost pay for the wideout's financial commitment.
Peters wants to build through the draft and supplement any remaining needs in free agency or the trade market. The general manager knows what Samuel brings to the table. He felt giving up a day three selection was worth the risk considering the potential benefits attached.
Although this is a major positive for Kliff Kingsbury's offensive and rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels, it leaves the Commanders relatively short of 2025 NFL Draft assets. Washington has six picks currently. They are also further down the pecking order than most anticipated following the team's triumphant run to the NFC Championship game this season.
Here's how things stand for the Commanders according to Tankathon.
- Round No. 1 (Pick No. 29)
- Round No. 2 (Pick No. 61)
- Round No. 3 (Pick No. 79) — via Dolphins
- Round No. 6 (Pick No. 207)
- Round No. 7 (Pick No. 238) — via Broncos
- Round No. 7 (Pick No. 250) — via Eagles
That's not a lot for Peters to work with. Going from No. 79 to No. 207 without a pick isn't ideal, so the Commanders will probably look to trade down for more selections at some stage.
The value of this lies at No. 29 overall. This draft isn't loaded with elite-level weapons, but it is deep. Analysts project the true value to be on day two. Moving out of the first round entirely if the right offer comes along could be worth its weight in gold.
Washington wasn't going to find a better player than Samuel in the fifth round. That's not up for discussion.
The versatile wideout comes into the franchise as a complimentary piece alongside Terry McLaurin. He's a physical runner who's earned Pro Bowl and All-Pro honors throughout his career. If he takes on a new challenge and embraces it, the former second-rounder out of South Carolina will be a huge part of the team's offensive strategy.
Peters wants more picks. He cannot be happy with six right now. Perhaps the Commanders can extract another one for Allen — there's just no telling for sure. The pressure is on to maximize every draft resource, but fans know this team is in the best possible hands.
The Commanders always seemed like a realistic destination for Samuel. It's the second aggressive trade made by Peters after securing cornerback Marshon Lattimore's services before the 2024 deadline. They are all in on winning now while also keeping half an eye on the future. This is the right approach in no uncertain terms.
And don't be surprised if Washington's six picks become a lot more before and during the draft.