The shockwaves are still reverberating around the league regarding the Washington Commanders' trade to acquire wide receiver Deebo Samuel Sr. It also sent long-time NFL analyst and Dallas Cowboys fan Skip Bayless into a complete meltdown.
Washington is ready to win now and they aren't afraid to make the bold moves needed to enhance their chances. Samuel represents exactly that — one of the league's best after-the-catch weapons with the versatility to slot into Kliff Kingsbury's schematic concepts seamlessly.
This raised eyebrows around the league. The Commanders were heavily linked with Samuel thanks in no small part to Adam Peters' previous connection to the player. Fans had mixed feelings about the possibility, but that changed when details about the compensation became public knowledge.
The Commanders are giving up a fifth-round selection. They are taking on $17.46 million of Samuel's contract and leaving the San Francisco 49ers with a dead cap number of more than $31 million. Considering he'll be highly motivated and has All-Pro-caliber production previously, it's a low-risk move with potentially significant rewards attached.
Skip Bayless fears for Cowboys after Commanders trade for Deebo Samuel
Washington's trajectory and obvious intent by acquiring Samuel didn't go unnoticed by Bayless, who took to social media in pursuit of waking up Cowboys owner Jerry Jones to the fact the Commanders mean business.
"I don't know if you care anymore, but your in-division rival just went out and stole Deebo Samuel. Flat out stole him from San Francisco for a fifth-round pick, Jerry [Jones]. He's gonna be playing for a contract next year. He wanted out of San Francisco and now he's going to be on his best behavior with people he knows and loves in Washington. You're going to have to deal with Deebo Samuel twice a year with Jayden Daniels. It's exactly what the doctor ordered for the Commanders. When he is right, he is scary."
Skip Bayless
Skip UNLEASHES on Deebo Samuel trade! pic.twitter.com/GkH7z9bL8p
— The Skip Bayless Show (@SkipBaylessShow) March 2, 2025
The Commanders have gone from also-rans to legitimate contenders in the blink of an eye. Peters knows the window is open and struck with conviction to secure a premium playmaker to place alongside Terry McLaurin. There are still glaring holes and 28 free agents to navigate, but this showed Washington will be aggressive and leave no stone unturned in pursuit of getting over the hump.
Bayless isn't alone in his thoughts. He knows his beloved Cowboys could be a long way behind Washington and the Philadelphia Eagles unless they get their act together. If the Commanders continue to recruit well and Jayden Daniels proves his rookie exploits can be sustained, it'll be a long time before Dallas enters the NFC East title picture.
Samuel has a lot to prove. He's coming off a down year and has dealt with some injury issues in recent seasons. Peters believes there is a lot of good football left. He's also going to benefit greatly from a fresh start working with the likes of McLaurin and Daniels.
Bayless' meltdown is a microcosm of the worry across Dallas' fanbase about what's unfolding in Washington. They are no longer the division's laughingstock. They are a serious operation capable of doing some real damage once again in 2025.
If Samuel meets expectations, this will be tremendous business at a bargain-basement cost.
