Commanders Reportedly 'Know' They'll Get Deebo Samuel's 'Best Version' After Trade

The Washington Commanders are confident in Deebo Samuel having a resurgent 2025 season after trading for the wide receiver, according to ESPN's John Keim.

"They added players looking to prove themselves, perhaps for one more big contract such as receiver Deebo Samuel," Keim reported Monday. "Because of that, as one league source said, Washington knows it probably will get the 'best version' of Samuel as a player."

Washington acquired Samuel from the San Francisco 49ers in exchange for a 2025 fifth-round pick on March 1.

The 29-year-old failed to meet expectations during his final year in San Francisco, averaging a career-low 44.7 receiving yards per game and recording 806 all-purpose yards in 15 appearances.

While Samuel's sole Pro Bowl season in 2021 is in the rearview mirror, he still racked up 1,117 yards from scrimmage and found the end zone 12 times during his 2023 campaign.

It isn't hard to imagine him looking like his old self on a high-powered Commanders offense that finished No. 5 and No. 7 in points (27.8) and yards per game (369.6) last season, respectively.

Led by Offensive Rookie of the Year winner Jayden Daniels, Washington clinched the playoffs with a 12-5 record and made an appearance in the NFC Championship Game.

Samuel also shouldn't have to worry about receiving too much attention from opposing secondaries, as Terry McLaurin is still expected to operate as Daniels' No. 1 target next season.

As the Commanders look to remain a threat in the NFC, they're reportedly confident that Samuel is in store for a productive individual season.