Commanders confident new offensive weapon will deliver breakout comeback

The Washington Commanders are counting on their latest addition to deliver a standout comeback season.

Joanne Coley | Mar 31, 2025

Dec 8, 2024; Santa Clara, California, USA; San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Deebo Samuel Sr. (1) walks on the field before the start of the game against the Chicago Bears at Levi's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-Imagn Images / Cary Edmondson-Imagn Images

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Washington Commanders

When the Washington Commanders acquired Deebo Samuel from the San Francisco 49ers, they were betting on him to deliver in 2025.

According to ESPN's John Keim, the Commanders believe a motivated Samuel will showcase the "best version" of his dynamic playmaking ability.

Washington sent just a 2025 fifth-round pick to land Samuel—an extremely low-risk move for a player with high-upside potential. While he had a down year in 2024, managing just 806 all-purpose yards, his past production proves his capability.

Dec 30, 2024; Santa Clara, California, USA; San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Deebo Samuel Sr. (1) before the game against the Detroit Lions at Levi's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Sergio Estrada-Imagn Images / Sergio Estrada-Imagn Images

Since being drafted by the 49ers in 2019, Samuel has been a force at wide receiver. He earned Pro Bowl honors in 2021 and delivered a strong 2023 campaign, surpassing 1,000 scrimmage yards and scoring 12 touchdowns.

Given the Commanders resurgence—ranking fifth in scoring (27.8 PPG) and seventh in total yards (369.6 YPG) last season—Samuel appears to be a seamless fit in their high-powered offense.

He joins a playoff-caliber squad that reached its first NFC Championship Game since 1991. With Offensive Rookie of the Year Jayden Daniels leading the charge, the Commanders are aiming for another deep postseason run, and Samuel provides another dangerous target alongside Terry McLaurin.

The Commanders and Samuel is a perfect fit—he’s a versatile weapon eager to prove doubters wrong, and help the Commanders offense could become even more explosive as they pursue a Super Bowl.

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

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Published Mar 31, 2025

JOANNE COLEY

Joanne Coley, from Prince George’s County, MD, is a communications professional passionate about storytelling and sports. She holds a bachelor’s in Communications from Kent State University and a Master’s in Communications/Public Relations from Southern New Hampshire University. Since 2018, she has served as Communications Manager at the Council of the Great City Schools. A foodie and traveler, Joanne is also a former state champion in high school shotput and standout athlete in softball.