The Washington Commanders can’t afford wide receiver Deebo Samuel in 2026. Not at anything close to what he might get on the open market, which is likely something in the range of $15 million per year.
Especially not after paying him $17 million in 2025 after a trade with the San Francisco 49ers — Washington gave up a 2025 5th-round pick — then going 5-12 in a season they started as Super Bowl contenders.
That doesn’t mean someone else won’t drop that kind of money on Samuel after he had a resurgent season with the Commanders following a down year in 2024.
Samuel had 72 receptions for 727 yards and 6 total touchdowns in 2025, which are decent numbers but not worth giving up a draft pick and $17 million for.
Bleacher Report’s Alex Kay thinks Samuel might be able to find a home with an up-and-coming team in the AFC South with the Indianapolis Colts.
“The Washington Commanders moved on from Deebo Samuel after a single season, but the 30-year-old wideout should still have something left to offer another team as he gears up for his third NFL act,” Kay wrote on May 20. ” … Samuel can be a dangerous playmaker when he possesses the football. He’s amassed 800 or more yards from scrimmage and scored at least four touchdowns in all six of his healthy seasons—only missing those marks during an injury-shortened 2020 sophomore effort—and averages nearly 11 yards per touch on his career. Any team seeking a versatile weapon who can line up at multiple offensive positions, as well as contribute on special teams, should have interest in Samuel.”
Deebo Samuel Called ‘Top Available Free Agent’
ESPN put Samuel at No. 5 on its list of the top available free agents remaining with 2 months until training camp starts in July.
“Samuel caught 72 passes and scored five touchdowns in his one season with the Commanders, with 63.7% of his receiving totals coming after the catch,” ESPN’s Matt Bowen wrote. “A power strider, he would benefit from a system that allows him to get loose on catch-and-run targets.”
CBS Sports called the Miami Dolphins the “ideal fit” for Samuel in 2026.
“The Dolphins entered the 2026 NFL Draft with a massive hole at receiver,” CBS Sports NFL reporter Tyler Sullivan wrote. “While they did come away with three wideouts over the course of the weekend, they came in the third (Caleb Douglas and Chris Bell) and fifth (Kevin Coleman Jr.) rounds, so it’s hardly a guarantee they’ll make an immediate impact. With that in mind, they need a veteran to enter that room, and Samuel could fit the bill.”
Commanders Didn’t Make Splashy Move at WR
The Commanders tried and failed to make a big splash at wide receiver in free agency by reportedly pursuing a potential future teammate of Samuel’s with Colts star Alec Pierce, who wound up staying in Indy thanks to a massive 4-year, $114 million contract extension.
What’s more surprising is that for taking such a big shot with Pierce, the Commanders seemed content not to go for another star, either in free agency or the draft.
In the draft, the Commanders selected Ohio State linebacker Sonny Styles at No. 7 overall — just 1 pick ahead of Arizona State wide receiver Jordyn Tyson with the No. 8 overall pick to the New Orleans Saints.
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