The dual-threat star is heading to the capital.
In their first move of the offseason, Washington signed wide receiver Deebo Samuel from the San Francisco 49ers.
In return, Washington traded away a fifth round pick, and reportedly took on his salary as part of the deal.
Almost all of the pundits seem to like the move, and most of the fans do too.
Even those fans that do not like the trade seem to be happy simply because they believe Washington general manager Adam Peters knows what he is doing.
The pros and cons
There are two main negatives on Deebo Samuel. His age, 29 going on 30, and his lack of production over the last four years. His last big year was 2021.
The positives are many. Deebo has been used as a versatile player based on his build, lining up in the backfield and in the slot. He has been called ‘the Swiss army knife’.
He is a complimentary opposite to Austin Ekeler, indeed he may be designed to replace Ekeler as he is one of the many free agents this year.
Deebo is one of the fastest players in the league, and his speed combined with his build makes him dangerous in the open field. He loves to play physical football.
Addressing his lack of production, many commentators pointed at his general unhappiness at San Francisco, and the injuries around him which allowed other teams to key on him.
It is also worth noting that his contract has one year left. This means that in theory he will be a fresh, happy, supported talent, with one year left on his contract to demonstrate his value in free agency. That all suggests, barring injury, he is going to ball out next season.
Another important detail is that Peters came from San Francisco where Deebo was playing, so he must have a good relationship with Deebo and an informed belief in the player.
Addressing his age, Deebo is the same age as McLaurin. Peters has proven his ability at signing older talent who deliver – including Ekeler, Zach Ertz and Bobby Wagner.
You might not be getting them at their utmost best, but their current best is good enough in Kliff Kingsbury’s system. I think Kingsbury will use Deebo wisely, as he did Ekeler and Ertz.
‘Ekeler on steroids’
One of the pundits, from Josh & Hayden, broke down the analysis on Washington and Deebo, and as he was talking I could not help but think of the movie Moneyball.
What Peters is doing is building a team by the numbers. No one star – other than Jayden Daniels – but lots of talent that does what it does well.
The other thing Peters seems to be doing is getting the best value out of his signings, with the exception of Marshon Lattimore for whom the jury is still out.
Aside from the thoughtful commentary, there is the fan feeling. I have always liked Deebo, he is a natural talent, fast and physical.
Watching some Deebo Samuel tape, he is a joy to watch. He is Ekeler on steroids. In some ways we just got our Saquon Barkley for a fifth round pick. I love it!
Ultimately this signing will have to be put in the context of other free agents signed, players we end up having to let go, and players drafted.
However, the Deebo signing suggests Peters is doing what he does best, finding gems, bringing value, and building a team to win.
The other thing we know is we have ‘JD5’, and that gives us all hope, regardless of who is around him.
For Daniels, having Terry McLaurin and Deebo Samuel in his wide receiver room has to feel like a promising start to the offseason.
