The Washington Commanders got a trade bargain for wide receiver Deebo Samuel Sr. General manager Adam Peters gave up a fifth-round selection to secure the versatile playmaker. This doesn't happen without the substantial financial resources necessary to absorb his contract.
Samuel's in the final year of his deal and wanted a fresh start. The speculation linking him to Washington began almost immediately given his previous connection with Peters. Negotiations ramped up during the NFL Scouting Combine and a deal was struck over the weekend.
The San Francisco 49ers could have gotten more for Samuel had they agreed to take on some of his salary. They're already eating more than $31 million in dead money due to how his deal was structured. Washington got a good deal by easing their burden on the cash front.
Peters felt this was a risk worth taking. He knows Samuel well and feels like he can provide a different dynamic to Washington's offense under coordinator Kliff Kingsbury. This is a nice complimentary piece for second-team All-Pro Terry McLaurin and another explosive weapon for quarterback Jayden Daniels.
Samuel should also be highly motivated. He's looking for a new deal and wants to silence some increasing doubters after a down year by his normally high standards in 2024. Landing on a contending team with unlimited potential provides the former second-round pick out of South Carolina with the right environment to achieve these objectives.
Commanders remain in healthy financial position after Deebo Samuel trade
The Commanders are acquiring Samuel's money, which stands at $17.46 million against the cap currently. Here's how the contract is structured according to Over the Cap.
- Base salary: $16.6 million
- Per game roster bonus: $750,000
- Workout bonus: $200,000
- 2025 salary-cap hit: $17.46 million
Not exactly chump change, but the Commanders have enough to take on the sum while also leaving plenty to strengthen other position groups throughout what promises to be another frantic offseason.
This leaves the Commanders with $64.44 million available with 47 players under contract. Peters has 28 free agents to navigate and six selections during the 2025 NFL Draft. There is a lot of hard work and more maneuvering ahead, but Washington is a better team after Samuel's arrival than before.
Peters has a plan in place. He's always thinking two steps ahead and knows what's needed to ensure the Commanders are a force for years to come. There are ways to get the salary-cap number up and to acquire more picks, so it'll be interesting to see how he'll approach the next few weeks and beyond before the time to resume organized team activities arrives.
Samuel is an outstanding player. He's got Pro Bowl and All-Pro-caliber production and can give Washington's offense a much-needed spark. But if for some reason it doesn't work out, the Commanders aren't tied to the player beyond 2025. And it only cost a fifth-round pick to find out one way or another.
That's good business — something that's become synonymous with the Commanders' new model with Peters leading the charge. Long may it continue.