The Washington Commanders made a notable move this offseason, trading for Deebo Samuel from the San Francisco 49ers, who sent him to Washington in exchange for a fifth-round pick. While the move certainly adds a veteran playmaker to the Commanders’ offense, it also raises a lot of questions. After a strong rookie season from quarterback Jayden Daniels, the team is hoping to build on that momentum, but Samuel’s addition doesn’t automatically guarantee a significant upgrade. With Terry McLaurin still the clear top option in Washington, Samuel may not see the kind of volume he had during his peak years with the 49ers.

Looking at Samuel’s fantasy outlook for 2025, there’s a lot of concern. After a disappointing 2024 where he finished with just 670 yards and 3 touchdowns, he’s clearly on the decline. Injuries have been an issue, and his production has dropped significantly over the past couple of seasons. While Samuel still has the ability to make plays after the catch, it’s fair to wonder if his best days are behind him. The Commanders’ offense also isn’t as high-powered as some other teams, which could limit his opportunities. Samuel might still get some rushing attempts, but it’s unclear if he’ll be a reliable fantasy option. Given his recent struggles, age, and injury history, it’s hard to see him being anything more than a risky WR3 to start the season, and he could easily end up falling short of expectations in 2025.

Author: Mike Lindberg (@FFCancuk99)