UPDATE: Samuel is signing a one-year deal with the San Francisco 49ers.
This NFL offseason is loaded with big names. There’s a lot of talent to be had at the wide receiver position, and Deebo Samuel is one of the biggest names out there. After a stint with the Washington Commanders, Samuel hits the open market for the first time in his career. Where is the former All-Pro going to end up?
First, it’s important to gauge where Samuel is in his career. At 29 years old last season with the Commanders, Samuel pulled in 72 receptions for 727 yards and five touchdowns. He also ran 17 times for 75 yards and a score. Those numbers sound fine, but they represented a five-year low in total rushing yards and yards per reception. Once a dynamic downfield threat, gadget player, and short-area receiver, Samuel was not the same player last year. He also averaged the lowest YAC and ADOT since his All-Pro season, and his once-vaunted ability to get it and go is seemingly gone.
The most obvious fit is a return to the San Francisco 49ers. Samuel was traded away in 2024 primarily for cap reasons, so there’s little bad blood there. With Brandon Aiyuk not playing and George Kittle rehabbing a torn Achilles, the need for receiving talent is dire in San Francisco. Perhaps Samuel can recapture some production in the Kyle Shanahan offense that turned him into one of the best receivers in the sport.
But if Deebo isn’t going back to the Bay, there are plenty of other teams that could come calling. A lot of AFC contenders need wide receiver help. Chief amongst them are the Denver Broncos, who have struggled to establish a second pass-catching option behind Courtland Sutton. He’d be a nice security blanket for Bo Nix. Samuel also fits in as WR2 behind Zay Flowers in Baltimore, giving Lamar Jackson another weapon over the middle. Buffalo always needs receiving talent, and though he is a bit redundant with Khalil Shakir, the Bills can’t be picky.
There are fewer contender-y teams to consider as well. The Raiders could throw out a pillow deal with their cap space to give likely first overall pick Fernando Mendoza a competent veteran weapon on the outside. Arizona could use someone to take heat off Marvin Harrison Jr. and Tre McBride. Other teams like the Jets, Giants, and Dolphins could use some secondary pass-catching talent. With Samuel likely to be looking at one or two-year deals as he rehabs his value, all options are on the table.
Certainly, there are better talents on the free agent market, and dominoes at the receiver position will have to fall before Deebo. But he’s still a talented receiver who fits any timeline and any scheme. He’s going to get a nice payday and will upgrade whichever team he joins.
