Commanders' Deebo Samuel Hits Free Agency After Disappointing Season

The star wide receiver is unlikely to return to Washington after a lackluster 2025 campaign.

Mar. 10, 2026 at 6:24pm

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The Washington Commanders traded for wide receiver Deebo Samuel from the San Francisco 49ers last year, but his performance was underwhelming as the team struggled through a disappointing 2025 season. Now Samuel is set to hit free agency, and it appears unlikely he will return to the Commanders.

Why it matters

Samuel was expected to be a game-changing addition for the Commanders, but his inability to elevate the team's offense raises questions about his long-term fit in Washington. As a top free agent wide receiver, Samuel's next destination will be closely watched across the NFL.

The details

The Commanders acquired Samuel in a trade with the 49ers prior to the 2025 season, hoping the versatile playmaker would provide a boost to their passing attack. However, Samuel failed to replicate his All-Pro production from San Francisco, finishing the year with just 912 receiving yards and 5 touchdowns as the Commanders stumbled to a 6-10 record.

  • The Commanders traded for Deebo Samuel prior to the 2025 NFL season.
  • Samuel is now set to become a free agent in March 2026.

The players

Deebo Samuel

A wide receiver who was traded from the San Francisco 49ers to the Washington Commanders in 2025.

Washington Commanders

An NFL team based in Washington, D.C. that acquired Deebo Samuel in a trade prior to the 2025 season.

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The takeaway

Samuel's inability to elevate the Commanders' offense raises doubts about his long-term fit in Washington, and his upcoming free agency will be closely watched as teams evaluate whether he can recapture his previous All-Pro form.