If there is one thing that should scare the defending champion Philadelphia Eagles, and the rest of the NFC heading into the 2025 season, it's Rookie of the Year Jayden Daniels again taking the reins of the Commanders, with a year of seasoning under his belt.
If there's something even scarier, it's that the Commanders will head into free agency next month with a sizable war chest of about $70 million in cap space to use, and with a reputation as a team on the rise. Money and opportunity will be there, making the Commanders a strong option for veterans looking for new homes.
They could also be a useful trade partner for teams, because the Commanders can absorb sizable salaries into their cap space.
That is of special importance for several players, including star receiver Deebo Samuel of the 49ers, who might well be a perfect fit with Daniels and the Commanders. Washington watched Daniels and wide receiver Terry McLaurin blossom into a star duo, but adding a versatile inside threat like Samuel could help the offense tremendously.
Samuel had a down year with the 49ers, and with the team needing to pare payroll, he's been a candidate to be moved. It was reported over the weekend that Samuel, who is entering the final year of a $72 million contract, had been granted permission to seek a trade.
On Tuesday, ESPN speculated that the Commanders could be the team that makes the most sense for Samuel.
Beat writer Nick Waggoner wrote: "Any team acquiring Samuel would be best served using him as a chess piece all over the field, as opposed to a traditional outside receiver. The Washington Commanders come to mind as a viable option; offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury could utilize him as a complement to Terry McLaurin.
"While McLaurin had 82 catches for 1,096 yards this season, Olamide Zaccheaus was the next-best wideout on the Commanders with 45 receptions and 506 yards."
Samuel struggled with injuries and totaled just 670 yards on 51 catches last season. He also had 136 yards on 42 carries.
