The Washington Commanders were one of the most disappointing teams in the NFL in 2025. After finishing with a 12-5 record and making it to the NFC Championship Game in 2024, the Commanders were expected to be among the best teams in the NFC and be dangerous with Jayden Daniels entering his second year in the NFL. However, Washington battled injuries and regressed, finishing 5-12 and missing the postseason.
Looking to return to the postseason and chalk up 2025 as a blip on the radar, the Commanders have already made one significant move this offseason and are projected to shake things up even more ahead of 2026.
Washington Commanders Expected To Part Ways With Deebo Samuel
Washington kicked off their offseason by announcing it is planning to release veteran cornerback Marshon Lattimore before the start of the new league year, a move that saves $18.5 million in cap space. Lattimore could potentially be the first of several familiar names wearing a different uniform in 2026 as Washington looks to strengthen their roster and retool around a healthy Daniels in hopes of another deep playoff run.
Pending free agent Deebo Samuel is yet another player that the Commanders are facing a decision on as the new league year rapidly approaches.
“As long as we are talking Washington, I don’t expect Deebo Samuel to return to the team,” said NBC Sports fantasy football analyst Matthew Berry. “The team will look to add to the wide receiver room with an emphasis on speed and don’t be surprised if 2026 is Terry McLaurin’s last year with the team,” Berry added.
Samuel ranked as the No. 34 wide receiver in PFSN’s Wide Receiver Impact Metrics (WRi), catching 72 of 99 targets for 727 yards and five touchdowns. The dual-threat wide receiver also added 17 carries for 75 yards and a touchdown in his first year with Washington.
Washington acquired the 2021 All-Pro in a trade with the San Francisco 49ers before the start of the 2025 season, in hopes of giving Daniels a strong number two option alongside McLaurin. While the seven-year pro may not be the player he once was, he did still prove to be a productive piece for Washington. However, he is on the wrong side of 30, has dealt with injuries throughout his career, and could have several suitors in free agency.
Berry added the caveat that everything he said in his article was “ENTIRELY gossip, rumors, and reasonably informed speculation. I haven’t double-sourced or confirmed ANY of this.”
“Maybe it turns out true, maybe it doesn’t. I won’t be surprised either way.” Berry added.
Washington is in the top five in cap space in the NFL and will need to address its defense, as well as the running back and wide receiver positions, before the start of the season. If they look to free agency, potential replacements for Samuel include Mike Evans, Tyreek Hill, Alec Pierce, Rashid Shaheed, Christian Kirk, and Jauan Jennings.
The Commanders will be a team to watch early in the offseason, with their cap space and high draft capital leaving them with numerous options to improve the roster. Meanwhile, Samuel appears headed towards playing for his third team in three years, unless he reunites with his former team, the 49ers.
