Ex-Commanders star reveals overlooked winner from Terry McLaurin extension

The Washington Commanders stood their ground during a frustrating contract standoff with wide receiver Terry McLaurin. Everything is now resolved successfully, and there could be one primary beneficiary above all else.

And it's not quarterback Jayden Daniels.

McLaurin got a three-year, $96 million extension from the Commanders. This included a $30 million signing bonus and $44 million guaranteed. It was the compromise everyone associated with the team was hoping for, and it came just in time to avoid complications before Week 1 against the New York Giants.

Deebo Samuel Sr. can to flourish after Commanders resolve Terry McLaurin contract

Daniels gets his primary weapon back into the fold. That's only going to help the signal-caller build on his phenomenal rookie campaign. However, former Washington player turned analyst Fred Smoot believes McLaurin's return could bring a career renaissance for Deebo Samuel Sr. along the way.

This might be one of Deebo's best years because of Terry [McLaurin]. Terry gets the coverage pushed to him. It's just attention. Deebo [Samuel] will benefit from that and blossom from that.Fred Smoot via Commanders.com

Samuel is undoubtedly the most gifted running mate McLaurin's ever had in the receiver room. There are concerns around his regression last season, but the South Carolina product alleviated these fears with a standout offseason where he was in shape and explosive.

Taking this through to a competitive setting is the next challenge, and staying healthy is also key. Samuel is highly motivated to silence his doubters. Having someone like McLaurin taking up the attention of opposing coverage schemes is the best possible way to bounce back.

Kliff Kingsbury will have plenty of plays devised to get Samuel open and maximize his skill set. He is a big-time weapon after the catch. Finding ways to get the football in his hands can provide easy ways to gain chunk yardage, regardless of the opposition.

If defenses opt to key in on Samuel, that'll leave more space for McLaurin and others. It's a tricky conundrum for defensive coordinators around the league to solve, and that's without considering Daniels' dynamic dual-threat ability into the equation.

Samuel and McLaurin have the scope to become a highly productive wide receiver partnership. Their athletic attributes complement each other well. With Noah Brown, rookie fourth-rounder Jaylin Lane, Luke McCaffrey, and prolific tight end Zach Ertz also in the mix, the Commanders' passing attack will be difficult to stop if everyone meets expectations.

There is more pressure on Samuel than most. And he should be thrilled beyond measure to have McLaurin by his side again.

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