Geoff Burke-Imagn Images

Commanders' Deebo Samuel Won't Get Grace Period In 2025

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Adam Schultz | Last updated Jun 25, 2025 8:58 AM ET

Washington Commanders receiver Deebo Samuel will be part of Kliff Kingsbury's offense with Jayden Daniels and Terry McLaurin (we hope) as the "big three" in 2025.

With Daniels and McLaurin already developing great chemistry last season, now Samuel comes to the nation's capital looking to be the dual-threat weapon we have come to know.

Last season wasn't Deebo's best with injury and poor form contributing to his 670 yards and three touchdowns, but now he comes to Washington looking to bounce back in a big way.

And for ESPN's John Keim, the Commanders are going to use that to their advantage.

"Samuel, whom the Commanders consider a valuable chess piece because of his ability to play receiver or run the ball, has missed a combined eight games the past three years," Keim wrote. "Since finishing with 1,770 yards from scrimmage in 2021, he has surpassed 870 yards only once.

"But he fits into what Washington likes to do. He excels on screens and the Commanders have added athleticism to their line this season, which should help open holes in space. The Commanders like the situation Samuel is in, knowing he needs to prove himself if he wants another big deal."

On a "prove it" deal, Samuel won't have any shortage of motivation to play well for the Commanders, and what he can do for the offense, for some, gives Daniels a scary weapon to use both in the run and passing game.

We know what Samuel is at full flight. He needs to get there in a hurry in 2025.

A big offseason and solid training camp will lay the foundation for what fans hope will be a year that Deebo can be a driving force behind the Commanders replicating last year's efforts.

Some are skeptical of whether Deebo can return to being "Deebo," but Kingsbury has the offensive wizardry to put him in positions to succeed.

And if the Commanders are to go on a deep playoff run, he needs to be the Pro Bowler we all know from Week 1.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: