The Washington Commanders may have a difficult decision to make before Tuesday’s NFL trade deadline, and it could involve one of their biggest offseason additions, while also sweating over two key injuries heading into Week 9.
Wide receiver Deebo Samuel, acquired from the San Francisco 49ers in a headline-grabbing move earlier this year, has become an unexpected name to watch as the team weighs whether to buy or sell ahead of the Nov. 4 trade deadline.
Washington traded for Samuel to bolster its offense around sophomore quarterback Jayden Daniels, hoping his versatility would elevate a unit that showed flashes of potential in 2024, but also eyeing a former top pick turned free agent after suffering a “terrifying” injury.
They took on his full 2025 salary of $17.55 million. But despite his talent, Samuel is entering the final year of his deal with no extension in place. The 2025 season has been uneven for head coach Dan Quinn’s squad. The Commanders enter Week 9 at 3–5, dealing with injuries to Daniels and Terry McLaurin while struggling to find rhythm in the passing game.
Samuel’s individual production has been solid but far from his All-Pro peak. Through seven games, he’s recorded 37 receptions for 326 yards and three touchdowns, adding 46 rushing yards on limited carries.
His most productive outing came in Week 5 against the Chargers, when he hauled in eight catches for 96 yards and a score. But in recent weeks, he’s been quiet, combining for just seven catches for 26 yards over his last two games.
The timing has fueled speculation about whether Washington could look to move him for future assets. As ESPN‘s Bill Barnwell points out, Samuel is set to earn just $1.1 million next year, and if the Commanders don’t plan to extend him, trading him now could be a smart financial play.
The team would free up cap space and likely fetch valuable draft capital from a contender seeking a veteran playmaker.
The Commanders’ 3–5 record leaves them on the playoff bubble entering Sunday’s prime-time matchup against the Seattle Seahawks. A win could keep them in the NFC mix; a loss could push them toward becoming sellers. For a front office that made aggressive offseason moves, deciding whether to double down or reset is no easy call.
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Samuel’s versatility, lining up both in the slot and the backfield, still gives him value across the league. Teams like the Bills, Patriots, and Steelers are reportedly monitoring the wide receiver market closely.
If Washington opts to shop Samuel, his ability to stretch defenses horizontally and turn short passes into chunk plays could command attention quickly.
Still, trading Samuel so soon after acquiring him would be a major admission that this season hasn’t gone to plan. Injuries have derailed Daniels’ development, and McLaurin’s absence has made it difficult for Samuel to find space. The Commanders envisioned pairing two dynamic receivers to open the offense — instead, they’ve found inconsistency and frustration.