The Washington Commanders want to capitalize on a miraculous turnaround. After winning four games in 2023, the team ended up in the NFC Championship Game on the back of their superstar rookie quarterback, Jayden Daniels.
As a result, their focus in the offseason was surrounding Daniels with the right pieces. The biggest move, arguably, was a blockbuster trade for wide receiver Deebo Samuel. However, in the first tapes that went online, many had questions about his viability. But, if head coach Dan Quinn is to be believed, those worries are nonexistent.
Deebo Samuel Still Got It?
A majority of the questions around Samuel stem from his production last season with the San Francisco 49ers. Far from his ideal self, the dynamic wide-back, as he likes to call himself, tallied just 670 yards and three touchdowns through the air.
On the ground, his contributions were even worse, putting up 136 yards and a single touchdown. Add in a video where the former Pro Bowler seemed to be laboring on the field, and concerns from the fan base became apparent.
But, in an official quote to the Washington Commanders website, head coach Quinn had a completely different outlook. “Somewhere along the way, I’d forgotten until [he was] out here how fast he is.” Another concern for fans was the weight.
In pictures and videos circulating out of team practices and minicamps, the former second-round pick seemed to have added a few extra pounds, something even the wide receiver has admitted he needs to lose.
But the speed is still undeniable. “I can remember one time he just ran by somebody down the field on a deep ball, and I was like, ‘Yeah, I forgot about that.’ So, it didn’t surprise me, but it was maybe [that] I missed talking about it to that space because I was easily reminded, he’s one of the fastest players on the team.”
Deebo Samuel… no comment… because I don’t wanna be mean
pic.twitter.com/Mh6Wti6OxZ— John Frascella (Football) (@NFLFrascella) June 11, 2025
For a Washington team that ranked sixth on PFSN’s Offense+ metric last season, the addition of Samuel could unlock their offense even further. If Daniels can continue at the historic pace he set in his rookie season, then the Super Bowl dreams might not remain dreams for much longer.
However, fans have to hope that Samuel can capture the 2021 form that saw him put up close to 1,800 all-purpose yards while adding 14 touchdowns to the score, leading to his first selection to an All-Pro team.
