DeSean Jackson Skip Bolen/GettyImages

Former Commanders star ignites fan fury over shocking rival endorsement

Originally posted on Riggo's Rag | By Dean Jones | Last updated May 31, 2025 10:00 AM ET

Trading for Deebo Samuel Sr. potentially gives the Washington Commanders a dynamic wide-receiver tandem. However, one former team star believes this duo could be outperformed by their bitter division rival in 2025.

Samuel is coming off a down year, but he looks leaner in pursuit of maximizing this exceptional opportunity. The Commanders believe he's still got a lot left in the tank, and it cost them nothing more than a fifth-round pick to find out for sure.

The former second-round selection out of South Carolina will look to form a highly productive partnership with Terry McLaurin. He's currently sitting out practice until a new contract gets confirmed, but general manager Adam Peters should achieve this objective with minimal fuss, given his importance to the franchise.

DeSean Jackson backs Cowboys WRs over new Commanders duo

Hopes are high that this duo can provide the springboard to ignite Washington's offense and take quarterback Jayden Daniels' game to even greater heights next season. Even so, ex-Washington pass-catcher DeSean Jackson hinted that the Dallas Cowboys' wideout partnership of George Pickens and CeeDee Lamb could be more productive when push comes to shove.

Obviously, Deebo—I think he’s a good implement over there. Jayden Daniels had a heck of a year as well too. Dak… you know Dak, he’s a regular season hero. I just don’t know how it’s going to transition into the playoffs. But as far as regular season, I think the Cowboys will have better production from CeeDee [Lamb] and George Pickens if we’re just talking about receivers.DeSean Jackson via SI

Who makes a bigger impact in the NFC East: George Pickens on the Cowboys or Deebo Samuel on the Commanders?@heykayadams | @DeSeanJackson10 pic.twitter.com/rSJ07LWCpt
— Up & Adams (@UpAndAdamsShow) May 28, 2025

The Cowboys traded for Pickens this offseason. He's undoubtedly talented, but the Pittsburgh Steelers always part ways with wide receivers just before it's too late. That makes this a combustible situation that could legitimately go either way.

Everything is rosy right now. But if Pickens doesn't feel like he's getting enough targets and is being overshadowed by Lamb, it won't take long for friction to build.

That won't be a problem in Washington. McLaurin and Samuel are respected pros. They are savvy veterans who are all about putting the team's best interests above their own. This is all part of Washington's culture shift under head coach Dan Quinn, which preaches the importance of brotherhood and everyone pulling in the same direction.

That's already had a positive impact on Samuel. If this transitions to a competitive setting, Jackson might be eating a large slice of humble pie when it's all said and done.