Analyst details the colossal Commanders challenge redefining Deebo Samuel

The Washington Commanders began their aggressive recruitment during the offseason by trading for wide receiver Deebo Samuel Sr. This was projected to be the perfect running mate for second-team All-Pro wideout Terry McLaurin, giving quarterback Jayden Daniels a legitimate 1-2 punch to depend upon deep into the playoffs.

That hasn't happened. McLaurin has been seldom seen due to injury. Daniels has played only six games and could be out for even longer with a dislocated elbow. Samuel, who was criticized for his conditioning and injury issues after the trade, has been the constant, missing just one game.

And he's performed well. Samuel has had to become the top guy in Washington's receiver room without McLaurin. There's been a slight dip on occasion, but he's easily been the Commanders' most dependable pass-catcher — even if that isn't a high bar.

Commanders' circumstances are preventing Deebo Samuel from reaching his ceiling

Even so, Ryan Shea from Sports Illustrated believes that other elements out of Samuel's control make him unreliable, especially when it comes to fantasy football. Daniels' absence is the main reason, though there is hope that the signal-caller can return at some point after the bye week.

[Deebo] Samuel has been a consistent contributor all season, currently ranking WR16 in fantasy and averaging 14.1 points per game. However, his upside is now limited. With Jayden Daniels’ status uncertain following his gruesome Week 9 elbow injury, Marcus Mariota is the starting quarterback for the foreseeable future. Mariota’s presence reduces Samuel’s ceiling, making his production less reliable. Sell Deebo Samuel now before his value drops further.Ryan Shea

Samuel is making the best out of a bad situation right now. The former South Carolina standout didn't expect to be the primary focus of opposing protection schemes, but health concerns have made it easy for defenses to restrict his influence. He's still on course for 835 yards from scrimmage this season, but whether that is enough for a lucrative new contract is another matter.

McLaurin and Daniels are due back, which will take some pressure off. Much will also depend on the money Samuel wants on his new contract, which could go either way. All he can do is perform well over Washington's final six games and let the chips fall where they may after that.  

The last thing Samuel will be worrying about is fantasy football. But Shea's warning highlighted something greater: the precariousness of his situation, with just a few games left before the campaign concludes.

Washington's season is lost, but Samuel's situation carries high stakes.