Commanders advised to reach a crucial decision regarding Deebo Samuel's free agency status and contract.

Billy Heyen

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Commanders urged to make pivotal Deebo Samuel free agent decision with contract image

TL;DR

  • Washington Commanders traded for Deebo Samuel, who has performed well as a receiver.
  • Injuries to other Commanders players hindered the team's offensive strategy this season.
  • Kristopher Knox believes Washington should extend Samuel and aim to repeat their strategy.
  • A healthy Samuel, McLaurin, and Daniels could make the Commanders a powerful force in 2026.

The Washington Commanders made a bold move last offseason to trade for Deebo Samuel.

Samuel has been mostly as advertised at wide receiver.

The problem is that the rest of the Commanders have hardly been healthy around him.

They understood upon Samuel's arrival that this marked the conclusion of his existing agreement from the 49ers. However, this particular season was anticipated to unfold quite differently.

Now, it's decision time.

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Will the Commanders sign Samuel to an updated contract and attempt to repeat their strategy with the original intention? Or will they simply accept this season as a failure and proceed regardless?

Bleacher Report's Kristopher Knox thinks Washington needs to keep Samuel around.

"Samuel has proven himself to be a great fit for Kliff Kingsbury's offense in Washington," Knox writes. "While he hasn't replicated the Pro Bowl numbers he had back in 2021, he's racked up 522 scrimmage yards and six touchdowns as a versatile receiver and runner. Injuries prevented the Commanders' vision of attacking defenses with Samuel, Terry McLaurin, Zach Ertz and Jayden Daniels this season. Washington should extend Samuel early and look to run it back while hoping for better injury fortunes in 2026."

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Ertz seems likely to move on sooner rather than later. He's approaching retirement age.

Should Samuel and McLaurin both be fit in 2026, and Daniels as well, Washington possesses the potential to be a powerful force. The Commanders have the capacity to construct their team around these players, complemented by a dependable group of running backs.

It would definitely aid the Commanders in their attempt to recover from this unsatisfactory season. The departure of Samuel without any substantial gain would be quite disheartening.

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