3 reasons why Deebo Samuel trade could be a game-changer for Commanders

San Francisco 49ers drafted Deebo Samuel in 2019 under the leadership of current Washington Commanders GM Adam Peters.

3 reasons why Deebo Samuel trade could be a game-changer for Commanders

Deebo Samuel (Image via NFL/X)

The off-season has been a pretty wild ride with tantalizing stories, and intense drama surrounding the draft class. Amidst the same, the NFL and the teams are quickly jumping into how they can make their franchises better.

Three weeks ago, Deebo Samuel, one of the key players in the San Francisco 49ers roster in a very injury-marred season announced his interest to a new franchise. Recently, the 49ers traded Samuel, 29, to Washington Commanders. The Commanders were one of the strongest teams in the last season and made the first conference championship in more than two decades.

The San Francisco 49ers will take on a $31,550,012 dead money hit against this year’s salary cap. Meanwhile, Samuel, who has one year left on his contract, will carry a $17.5 million cap hit for Washington. The Commanders could potentially extend his deal.

The Commanders get a much-needed support for Jayden Daniels

Jayden Daniels is getting a dynamic playmaker in Deebo Samuel, which could be a game-changer for the Commanders’ offense next season. Daniels thrived in an offense that emphasized quick, efficient passing.

Samuel excels in this area, ranking among the league’s best in yards after the catch. His ability to turn screens and short passes into big plays will ease pressure on Daniels. Remember when Daniels had to resort to Hail Mary against the Chicago Bears? Samuel could reduce the need for such deep shots every drive or just in crucial moments.

Deebo Samuel
Deebo Samuel (Image Via Bleacher Report)

A young QB like Daniels benefits from having a receiver who can make plays in tight situations. Samuel’s toughness, balance through contact, and ability to create separation on short routes will provide Daniels with a reliable safety valve in key moments. Furthermore, a veteran presence like Deebo Samuel who’s had experience in the Super Bowl could anchor the rookie even more.

Deebo Samuel fits right into Kliff Kingsbury’s offensive game plan

Kliff Kingsbury has a strong track record of maximizing his offensive playmakers by tailoring his schemes to their strengths, and Deebo Samuel is a perfect fit for his system. Kingsbury has shown a willingness to deploy receivers in unconventional ways, and Samuel is built for that flexibility.

Kliff Kingsbury
Kliff Kingsbury (Image via Yahoo Sports)

There are several potential ways the Commanders can use him under Kingsbury’s plan. They can utilize Deebo to create mismatches against smaller cornerbacks or exploit quick, short-yardage throws to generate YAC.

Deebo Samuel thrives in schemes that emphasize short, high-percentage throws and allow him to create after the catch. Kingsbury has successfully boosted production from receivers like Olamide Zaccheaus and Dyami Brown by scheming them open in similar ways.

This move also holds significant interest for Deebo Samuel, as it reunites him with Commanders General Manager Adam Peters. Peters, who previously served as the Vice President of Player Personnel for the San Francisco 49ers, played a key role in drafting Samuel in 2019.

Given his firsthand experience with Samuel’s skill set and contributions, Peters possesses valuable insight into how the receiver can integrate into Washington’s offense. His familiarity with Samuel’s strengths should aid in optimizing his role within the system designed by Head Coach Dan Quinn and Offensive Coordinator Kliff Kingsbury.

Related: MVP won but chip remains as Bills GM says Josh Allen is still hungry for more