After being traded from the San Francisco 49ers, newly acquired Washington Commanders wide receiver Deebo Samuel has expressed his eagerness to “repay” the team for their faith in him. The Commanders finalized Samuel’s acquisition for a fifth-round pick on March 11, a deal that was agreed upon earlier. In his debut press conference, Samuel conveyed his determination and gratitude, stating, “They put this much trust in me. I can’t come in here and let them down.” This marks his readiness to impact the upcoming NFL season significantly.
Washington’s Strategic Moves
The Commanders have shown their commitment to revitalizing their roster by guaranteeing the final year of Samuel’s contract, which counts $17.55 million against the cap. This move was made without extending his contract, thus allowing the team greater financial flexibility. Moreover, Washington added $3 million in incentives to his contract, aiming to further motivate the dynamic receiver. Alongside Samuel, the signing of Michael Gallup, who returns to the NFL after a brief retirement, underscores Washington’s efforts to build a competitive team around standout young quarterback Jayden Daniels, last season’s NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year.
The Appeal of Washington
For Samuel, the move to Washington represents a fresh start and an opportunity to contribute to a team that finished last season with a 12-5 record—their first winning season since 2016—and made it to the NFC Championship Game. Samuel emphasized the quick progress and winning culture as key reasons for joining Washington, stating, “They’re getting a motivated Deebo. You get a dawg out there. These young legs are still moving, this body is still working pretty well.”
Reflecting on San Francisco and Looking Ahead
Samuel reflected on his time with the 49ers, particularly the difficult conversation with coach Kyle Shanahan about his desire for a trade. “One of the hardest things was walking into the office and talking to Kyle about this because of the relationship we built,” he said. Despite the challenges, both parties recognized it was time for Samuel to seek new opportunities. As he prepares for the upcoming season, Samuel feels supported not only by the team but also by his family, including his brother who motivates him to push his limits in his career.
Deebo Samuel’s move to the Washington Commanders marks a significant shift in his professional life and the NFL landscape. With his track record and renewed motivation, Samuel is poised to make a substantial impact on his new team. The Commanders’ strategic moves this offseason suggest a commitment not just to compete but to win, positioning Samuel to play a pivotal role in this journey.