It was not that long ago that Deebo Samuel Sr. was a part of one of the NFL’s best offenses. However, after a down year, can Samuel still be a factor for NFL offenses?
What Does Deebo Samuel Sr.’s Future Hold?
After six years with the San Francisco 49ers, Samuel was traded to the Washington Commanders in March 2025. He wasn’t the bona fide WR1 he used to be, but he still improved his numbers compared to 2024, catching 72 passes for 727 yards and 5 touchdowns. Last year, Samuel got a C+ grade and ranked 34th according to PFSN’s WR Impact Metric.
Statistically, Samuel’s best days are behind him. However, a creative offense can still weaponize him as a versatile Swiss Army knife with his backfield capabilities, making him a potential low-risk, high-reward type of receiver.
Samuel had his best seasons in a Shanahan like system when he was with the 49ers. So Samuel playing on a team that runs that offense makes the most sense.
Samuel could return to the NFC West, as the Seattle Seahawks are a viable option. Even though Seattle has superstar wideout Jaxon Smith-Njigba, who ranked second and received an A grade according to PFSN’s WRim, Samuel could be good insurance.
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Seattle was pretty healthy for the most part during their Super Bowl winning season last year. However, if one of Seattle’s receivers goes down with injury, whether it be Smith Njigba or Rashid Shaheed, Samuel could step in.
Klint Kubiak, who was the Seahawks’ offensive coordinator last year, is now the head coach of the Las Vegas Raiders. The Seahawks hired Brian Fleury to be their next offensive coordinator. Fleury spent seven seasons with the 49ers, so there is a connection between Fleury and Samuel.
Going to South Beach, Samuel could be a great option for the Miami Dolphins. The Dolphins are in the midst of a rebuild. Miami will have a new head coach, general manager, and quarterback this year. However, their wide receiver position is pretty thin.
The Dolphins’ offensive coordinator is Bobby Slowik, who has experience with Shanahan’s offense, having run that system when Slowik called plays with the Houston Texans. Samuel could be a good veteran presence for a young rebuilding team, especially for quarterback Malik Willis, who will be starting his first full year as a starter in 2026.
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Speaking of Willis, Samuel playing for Willis’s former team, the Green Bay Packers, would be a great option. The Packers lost wideouts during the offseason, with Romeo Doubs signing with the New England Patriots and Dontayvion Wicks getting traded to the Philadelphia Eagles.
So, Samuel could be a good player who can run head coach Matt LaFleur’s Shanahan like offense. Samuel will also have the chance to play with Jordan Love, who ranked fourth and got a B+ grade according to PFSN’s QBim.
Overall, even though Samuel might not be the All Pro player he once was, he still has talent left in the tank to help a team, whether they be in the rebuilding or competing stage.
