Colin Cowherd gives strong take on Commanders’ Deebo Samuel

The Washington Commanders offense just got a major boost with Deebo Samuel, and Colin Cowherd believes his versatility makes him a perfect fit.

Darius Hayes | Mar 20, 2025

Dec 3, 2023; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Deebo Samuel (19) waves goodbye to the Philadelphia Eagles fans after scoring a touchdown during the fourth quarter at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-Imagn Images / Eric Hartline-Imagn Images

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Washington Commanders

The Washington Commanders made one of the biggest moves of the NFL offseason by acquiring star wide receiver Deebo Samuel, and Colin Cowherd believes it’s a game-changing addition.

The Commanders didn’t just add a weapon, they secured a player who can be used in multiple ways to create mismatches.

On a recent episode of The Herd, Cowherd emphasized just how valuable Samuel will be in Washington’s offense.

Dec 8, 2024; Santa Clara, California, USA; San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Deebo Samuel Sr. (1) runs the ball against the Chicago Bears in the fourth quarter at Levi's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-Imagn Images / Cary Edmondson-Imagn Images

"Deebo Samuel is one of the great moves of free agency," Cowherd said. "The classic chess piece."

Cowherd praised the Commanders’ approach to team-building, pointing out how Samuel’s arrival is part of a larger effort to reshape the roster.

"This is a team that could get four to five starters out of the draft, got two absolute starters in free agency," Cowherd said.

With a strong draft class expected and key offseason acquisitions, Washington is positioning itself as a rising force in the NFC East. The biggest beneficiary of Samuel’s arrival might be quarterback Jayden Daniels, who now has another elite target in his arsenal. Cowherd sees this as a crucial opportunity for the young quarterback to take a major step forward.

"Jayden Daniels as a rookie was amazing, and he’s got another offseason to learn [Kliff] Kingsbury’s offense," Cowherd said.

Washington also made financial adjustments to ensure Samuel’s role in their offense. Entering the final year of the three-year, $71.5 million contract he signed with the San Francisco 49ers, Samuel and the Commanders have reworked his deal for 2025. According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, Washington will now guarantee $17 million of his contract, with incentives that could push his earnings to $20 million this fall.

A reworked deal for Deebo in DC: the Commanders are guaranteeing $17 million of Deebo Samuel’s previously non-guaranteed salary for this season, along with adding another $3 million worth of incentives, per sources. Samuel now will play this season on a one-year deal worth up to… pic.twitter.com/H5pfBs5gUf
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 19, 2025

The Commanders’ rebuild under head coach Dan Quinn is quickly taking shape. With Samuel locked in, a talented young quarterback, and a strengthened roster, Washington could be on the verge of a breakout season in 2025.

Stick with CommanderGameday and the Locked On Commanders podcast for more FREE coverage of the Washington Commanders throughout the 2025 offseason.