Deebo Samuel update could have significant impact on 2025 Commanders

Washington Commanders head coach Dan Quinn recently discussed what he's seen from wide receiver Deebo Samuel during offseason workouts, and his comments could raise expectations for the Commanders this fall.

Per the team's official website, Quinn gushed about Samuel's speed.

"Somewhere along the way, I'd forgotten ... how fast he is," Quinn shared.

"I can remember one time he just ran by somebody down the field on a deep ball and I was like, 'Yeah, I forgot about that,'" the second-year Commanders coach added.

While Samuel, 29, is unlikely to reach the heights of his 2021 All-Pro season when he gained 1,770 yards from scrimmage (1,405 receiving, 365 rushing), Quinn's comments suggest the six-year veteran could be due for a bigger season than his lackluster 2024.

Last season, Samuel had 51 receptions, 670 yards and three touchdowns. His 44.7 receiving yards per game and 8.7 yards per touch were the lowest of his career. 

If Quinn's summer observation about Samuel's quickness translates to the regular season, the Commanders could be even more formidable than in 2024, when they stunned prognosticators by winning 12 games and reaching the NFC Championship Game after entering the year with a preseason over-under win total set at 6.5 games.

Samuel won't be asked to be the team's top receiving option. With Terry McLaurin, one of the league's best wideouts, entrenched as WR1, Samuel could be able to exploit mismatches against opponents' No. 2 cornerbacks, or linebackers and safeties if lined up in the backfield. 

Washington ranked fifth in scoring (28.5 points per game) and retained offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury, who rejected head-coaching overtures elsewhere to run it back for quarterback Jayden Daniels' second season.

The 2024 Associated Press Offensive Rookie of the Year could be even better, avoiding the dreaded sophomore slump. 

After being sacked 47 times as a rookie, the Commanders also improved Daniels' blindside by trading for five-time Pro Bowl (2019-20, 2022-24) left tackle Laremy Tunsil.

Samuel could be just as important to Washington's success. Yet while things look good now, his injury history is a legitimate concern.

The six-year veteran has never played a full season, missing time for a slew of injuries, including hamstring, calf, knee, ankle and groin strains and shoulder and foot fractures.

If he can put those injuries behind him, Samuel should be a significant factor in Washington's 2025 offensive plans. According to Quinn, he's on the right track.