Deebo Samuel’s seismic shift earns the national respect Commanders fans begged for

The Washington Commanders believed Deebo Samuel Sr. had a lot of good football left despite being cast into the shadows by the San Francisco 49ers. It's starting to look like this gamble is going to pay off handsomely.

Samuel looks like a player reborn this offseason. He's in great shape after working exceptionally hard on his conditioning this summer. He looks sharp and motivated, ready to silence his doubters and prove the Niners made a grave mistake by letting him go.

Adam Peters knew what Samuel could bring to this offseason. He was more than happy to send a fifth-round pick to his old employers, which was swiftly followed by the Commanders guaranteeing more of his 2025 salary. Confidence is key, and this represented a big boost in that regard for the South Carolina product when morale may have been low.

Deebo Samuel Sr. looks like a player reborn with the Commanders

Zachary Pereles from CBS Sports is noticing the change in Samuel. The respected analyst highlighted how explosive the wideout is looking at training camp. Staying healthy is key, but it's been all systems go on that front in a different environment.

[Deebo] Samuel has looked fast and explosive, even though his best attributes -- his elusiveness and toughness with the ball in his hands -- can't really be replicated in practices. Though Samuel is mostly known for being a chess piece of sorts, fellow wide receiver Noah Brown said early in camp he was impressed by Samuel's route running, and "people will see that this year." Samuel has acknowledged it's a big year for him but has tried to remain focused on the day-to-day. Being healthy -- he detailed a bout with pneumonia that derailed his 2024 season -- is a key.Zachary Pereles

With fellow receiver Terry McLaurin still not practicing as his contract standoff with the Commanders continues, offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury is depending on Samuel heavily. While other pass-catchers further down the depth chart have fluffed their lines, the All-Pro has flourished. That's only going to serve Washington well when the team's best pass-catcher eventually returns to the fold.

This could still go either way for Samuel. He won't be lacking in motivation after some harsh criticism from all angles this offseason. It's also a contract year for the former second-round pick, and there's nothing like more financial security to bring some extra urgency and focus.

If Samuel can take this into the regular season and, more importantly, get a clear run of luck on the health front, this acquisition could be an absolute masterstroke from the Commanders. And it's got the scope to change everything for Kingsbury's offense.

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