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Commanders' Jayden Daniels Shares One Clever Reason For Deebo Emotion

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Anthony Goss | Last updated Jun 24, 2025 3:03 PM ET

The Washington Commanders sent a perfectly clear message to the rest of the NFL before the start of free agency. Coming off a shocking run to the NFC Championship they made it clear their successes would not be a flash in the pan.

Washington traded for wide receiver Deebo Samuel, dealing him away from the San Francisco 49ers. That move set the tone for an aggressive offseason that saw the Commanders act on several other occasions to fortify their supporting cast.

This expedited rebuild back to contention quickly changed the complexion of the budding Jayden Daniels era in Washington. The Commanders now have expectations to contend for a conference title once again.

Samuel's addition helps the team progress toward that goal. Despite the explosive nature of the offense last season, Washington lacked a true No. 2 wideout. Samuel not only checks that box but also possesses a diversified skillset.

Daniels hopes that skillset will help him minimize his workload from time to time as he joked at Fanatics Fest this past weekend.

"I'm excited to throw him a little screen and hopefully on the stat sheet it says a touchdown for 80 yards and I didn't have to do any of the work," he mused, with. clever thought and some fun emotion.

“I’m excited to throw him a screen and hopefully on the stat sheet it says a touchdown for 80 yards and I didn’t have to do any of the work.”

— Jayden Daniels on Deebo Samuel being the newest addition to the Commanders offense. pic.twitter.com/fsd3yG5wqo
— Arye Pulli (@AryePulliNFL) June 21, 2025

Hidden in that humor is the truth of what the Commanders are hoping to accomplish here. Making their young quarterback's life easier only betters their chances of remaining a dominant force in the NFC.

Seeing how close they got last season, owner Josh Harris and general manager Adam Peters realized they have a short window to use their resources and build a contender around Daniels before he gets a major pay day on his next contract.

Samuel, having spent much of his time in San Francisco as a No. 1 option, provides a prestigious asset for this reloaded Commanders squad.

This all depends on their having Terry McLaurin deployed out wide as well. The Commanders' No. 1 receiver held out of mandatory minicamp weeks ago in a holdout for a contract extension.

Assuming those two sides come to terms and McLaurin returns to the field, Washington will have successfully surrounded Daniels with one of the best receiving tandems in the league.

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

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