When veteran wide receiver Deebo Samuel joined the Washington Commanders last season, the reaction from fans was mixed. Some were excited to see a proven Pro Bowler suit up in burgundy and gold, while others believed Samuel was past his prime and wouldn’t make the same impact he once did with the San Francisco 49ers.

Samuel was able to quiet some of that doubt. While he didn’t have an explosive season, he emerged as one of the few bright spots on an offense plagued by injuries and inconsistency. He became a reliable target, often leading the team in receiving yards and providing a steady presence when the Commanders needed it most. Now that Samuel has shown flashes of his ability to impact the offense, the question becomes whether his future remains in Washington.

A Contract that Leaves the Door Open

When the Commanders acquired Samuel from the 49ers, they restructured his contract, guaranteeing him $17 million for the 2025 season with an additional $3 million available through incentives. The move secured Samuel through the final year of his existing deal, setting him up to become a free agent in 2026.