“At the end of the day, 17, you know I want you out here … no matter how long it takes”

Deebo Samuel on Terry McLaurin’s contract situation pic.twitter.com/BdWnazmH8b

— B/R Gridiron (@brgridiron) August 2, 2025

Deebo Samuel has a lot in common with Terry McLaurin. No, the pair aren’t just wide receivers with the Washington Commanders. Samuel and McLaurin were a part of that fantastic 2019 NFL draft class of receivers chosen outside of the first round, which includes A.J. Brown, DK Metcalf, Samuel, and McLaurin.

Samuel was traded from the San Francisco 49ers to the Commanders in March with one year remaining on his current contract. Washington guaranteed Samuel’s 2025 salary, and he looks motivated as ever to reward the franchise.

Something else McLaurin and Samuel have in common: McLaurin is also in the final year of his contract. Unlike Samuel, though, McLaurin, unhappy with how negotiations had transpired with the Commanders thus far, initially held out of training camp. While he reported after four days, he is now on the PUP list with an ankle injury and last week requested a trade.

No one believes McLaurin wants to leave Washington. And Washington is not going to trade McLaurin. The two sides love and appreciate one another, but it’s more about determining the cost of that love and appreciation.

As for Samuel, he understands McLaurin’s position and just can’t wait until the two are on the field together this fall.

“I’ve been in this situation before,” Samuel told Bleacher Report over the weekend. “I’m pretty sure you’ve done been in this situation (referring to former Washington WR Santana Moss) plenty of times. I’m a guy that, not to try to get too deep in the business side of things, but at the end of the day, you know, 17, you know I want you out here. I want him out here for sure. No matter how long it takes, I understand the business side of things, but whenever it happens, you know we’re going to hit the ground rolling.”

Deebo Samuel speaks for all of Washington’s fans. They can’t wait to see No. 17 back on the field in the burgundy and gold.

Meanwhile, while McLaurin has been absent, Samuel has enjoyed an excellent training camp for the Commanders, busy establishing a rapport with star quarterback Jayden Daniels.