Commanders are perfect fit to help Deebo Samuel find past production 

After weeks of speculation, Deebo Samuel has a new NFL home. The former 49ers wide receiver is headed to the Commanders. And while some question what type of player he is at this point, there are several reasons why Washington is the perfect environment to unlock the best from the former All-Pro. 

Part of what made Samuel available in the first place is his declining production. He made 77 receptions for 1,405 yards and scored eight touchdowns in 2021, but has failed to surpass 60 catches and 900 yards in any season since. Samuel is coming off his worst year since 2020, recording only 51 receptions for 670 yards. 

The fact Washington only had to give up a fifth round pick to acquire his services also shows his market value has decreased from where it would've been following his monster 2021 season. 

But with that said, Samuel is still only 29 and there his decline coincided with San Francisco being without multiple other offensive stars. Injuries to Brandon Aiyuk and Christian McCaffrey allowed opposing defenses to key in on Samuel and force him to deal with double coverage. In addition to having to shoulder more responsibility, Samuel missed some time himself. 

With Washington, Samuel will play alongside Terry McLaurin, who has posted 1,000+ receiving yards in five straight seasons. Samuel will be able to fit in nicely into more of a utility role instead of being forced to play on the outside. Commanders offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury is known for his creativity in finding ways for his playmakers to get their hands on the ball. 

And as San Francisco appears to be headed for a rebuild, Samuel could be reinvigorated with a contender. The 49ers crawled to a 6-11 finish in 2024 while Washington enjoyed the franchises' best season in decades before eventually falling to the Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles in the NFC Championship Game. 

A large part of the Commanders' success came from Jayden Daniels' remarkable rookie campaign. It's Daniels who could help Samuel get back to his Pro Bowl form of the past. 

Daniels dual-threat ability allows his receivers more time to get open and find space through defenders. And unlike with Brock Purdy, there's not uncertainty surrounding Daniels' future. Washington is showing signs they are committed to building a championship caliber team around their young star quarterback - they even have the cap space to make that happen. 

Adding Samuel is a low risk-high reward type move for the Commanders. If it works, he can prove to be an extra weapon in an offense that can't rely on Daniels to make something out of nothing all the time. Samuel could still have plenty of good years left if in the right situation. But if his recent seasons continue to be more of the norm, Washington didn't give up that much.