Deebo Samuel Sr. DVOA, Advanced Stats, & Fantasy Rankings

Washington Commanders wide receiver Deebo Samuel Sr. noted in his introductory conference with reporters via The Associated Press that the team is "getting a motivated Deebo." "I'm just ready to get back to work." said the seventh-year pro. "I'm just ready to get around a group of guys, meet with the players, and we just go from there." The 29-year-old hasn't quite reached the heights of his absurd 1,770-yard, 14-touchdown All-Pro season in 2021. However, he has provided a versatile chess piece in Kyle Shanahan's offenses over the years. The South Carolina product also stated that winning is a motivator for him, and he was impressed with the play of second-year quarterback Jayden Daniels during his first stint in the pros. Samuel Sr. should fit opposite teammate Terry McLaurin nicely, adding another playmaker to deploy in Washington's dynamic offense.

The Washington Commanders reworked new wide receiver Deebo Samuel Sr.'s deal on Wednesday and are guaranteeing $17 million of his previously non-guaranteed salary for the 2025 season while also adding another $3 million worth of incentives, sources tell ESPN's Adam Schefter. Samuel will now play his first season in D.C. on a one-year deal worth up to $20 million, including the $17 million guaranteed. The 29-year-old is set to serve as Washington's No. 2 receiver this year behind Terry McLaurin as he looks to bounce back from a disappointing final year in San Francisco in which he had a 51-670-3 line on 81 targets over 15 starts. Samuel, who was an All-Pro in 2021, will be a multi-faceted weapon for an offense led by impressive second-year QB Jayden Daniels. He could bounce back as a strong WR2 in fantasy, but durability is a concern despite him being on the right side of 30.

The Washington Commanders have acquired wide receiver Deebo Samuel Sr. from the San Francisco 49ers in exchange for a fifth-round draft pick. Samuel's name has been around several trade discussions throughout the offseason after his disappointing 2024 campaign. In 2024, Samuel found the back of the end zone just four times and tallied 836 all-purpose yards. Through the air, Samuel caught 670 yards on 51 receptions. This was his lowest receiving total since the 2022 campaign. On the ground, Samuel ran for 136 yards, which is his lowest total in a season in which he played in at least 15 games. The Washington Commanders lacked a proven No. 2 wideout opposite of Terry McLaurin throughout the 2024 season. Even though McLaurin set the franchise record in receiving touchdowns, their No. 2 and No. 3 wide receivers, Noah Brown and Dyami Brown, combined for just two receiving scores. Fantasy managers should expect Samuel to operate as the No. 2 pass catcher opposite of McLaurin. Even though he is entering his seventh professional season, he will still carry value as a WR2 in all formats catching passes from breakout rookie Jayden Daniels. In San Francisco, Brandon Aiyuk will operate as the top wideout with Jauan Jennings and Ricky Pearsall slotting behind him.