Commanders’ gamble on Deebo Samuel is aging better than anyone expected

The Washington Commanders made a series of high-profile roster moves over the offseason. Perhaps none of them was more notable than the trade for wide receiver Deebo Samuel Sr.

Adam Peters gave up only a fifth-round pick for the longtime San Francisco 49ers standout, whom he helped scout and draft. The national media clowned the acquisition, calling Samuel an out-of-shape prima donna whose best days were in the rearview mirror.

Five games into the campaign, the move looks like an absolute steal for the Commanders.

Commanders are getting exactly what they hoped from Deebo Samuel Sr.

All summer, it was Terry McLaurin who generated the headlines in the Commanders' receiver room, with his dramatic contract holdout that ultimately resulted in a happy resolution. Now, though, the two-time Pro Bowler is hurt, leaving Samuel — who was brought in as a complementary piece — to do the heavy lifting.

He's answered the call and then some.

Even before McLaurin's injury, Samuel was outproducing the Ohio State product. He made an immediate impact in the Commanders' Week 1 victory over the New York Giants, accounting for 96 yards of total offense and a touchdown. He had his best game yet in Week 5 versus the Los Angeles Chargers.

Samuel caught eight passes for 96 receiving yards in the win over the Chargers, and the last one was the best of all. With the Commanders holding a comfortable lead late in the fourth quarter and driving deep in opposing territory, Dan Quinn wasn't content to play it safe. He dialed up a swing for the fences on fourth down, and Jayden Daniels found the veteran in the back of the end zone.