Could veteran wide receiver Deebo Samuel team up with quarterback Kyler Murray at the Minnesota Vikings? Shared sentiment around the NFL suggests the Washington Commanders will move on from the receiver, opening the door to a world of exciting possibilities for where he could end up.
Will he aim to satisfy his bank account or Super Bowl ambitions?
Deebo Samuel Linked With Joining Kyler Murray and Minnesota Vikings
Samuel has been part of some pretty strong teams over the years, namely the 2019 San Francisco 49ers, but the veteran could very well top all that with a move to the Twin Cities.
Signing with the Vikings would see him join an offense featuring Murray, wideouts Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison, tight end T.J. Hockenson, and running back Aaron Jones. PFSN’s Austin Swaim is very ambitious about the idea, logging the Vikings as one of Samuel’s top free agency destinations.
“Imagine telling someone at the start of 2023 that Deebo Samuel would be combining with Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison,” he wrote. “That would be discussed as perhaps the greatest wide receiver room ever.”
Samuel might not have been up to his usual dominant self, but the dual-threat receiver is still capable of punishing defenses (92.7 PFSN WR Impact in 2021). Playing in an offense starring Jefferson, Addison, and more, Samuel’s game should have no trouble opening up for him to bag a 1,000-yard campaign.
“Samuel’s ‘decline’ being a season in which he still crested 700 receiving yards despite quarterback issues might mean that becomes a reality, especially as the Vikings look to give either Kyler Murray or J.J. McCarthy all the assistance they can get,” Swaim added. “Minnesota has holes at cornerback, safety, running back, offensive line, and potentially EDGE if they end up dealing Jonathan Greenard.”
On 219 career carries, Samuel has recorded 1,218 yards and 21 touchdowns, making him a prime prospect to fill any backfield needs as well. Kyle Shanahan famously used the star’s running ability to great success in the Bay Area, and an offensive genius like Kevin O’Connell shouldn’t have any trouble doing the same.
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“I just don’t think they can invest a quality pick into a reliable No. 3 receiver, and Samuel is a great complement in the slot to Jefferson and Addison’s ability to get vertical,” Swaim concluded.
The Vikings have a chip on their shoulder after having to watch their former quarterback, Sam Darnold, win a Super Bowl with the Seattle Seahawks a year after leaving the Vikings. Compiling one of the most loaded offenses in NFL history might just do the trick.
