Washington Commanders general manager Adam Peters wanted Deebo Samuel from the moment the San Francisco 49ers made him available. Peters' close ties with San Francisco helped him work out a deal to land the former Pro Bowl wide receiver.
Peters, who spent seven seasons with the 49ers before becoming Washington's GM last year, helped draft Samuel in the second round of the 2019 NFL draft. Peters watched as Samuel became one of the NFC's better receivers early in his career. However, Samuel's production began to tail off in 2022, whether it was due to injuries, other players emerging, or something else.
Samuel was ready for a chance. And the 49ers needed to cut salary as they began preparations to pay quarterback Brock Purdy. So, Peters and the Commanders had the cap space and the draft capital — it only cost Washington a fifth-round pick — to trade for Samuel.
Upon acquiring Samuel, Washington guaranteed his 2025 salary — the final year of his current deal — and Samuel appreciated the gesture. At 29, Samuel is playing for another big contract and is motivated to have a huge season for the Commanders in 2025.
While others questioned Washington's trade for Samuel, Peters has zero reservations.
"He's an incredible competitor, he's an incredible dude," Peters told Kay Adams of "Up and Adams. "We wouldn't have brought him in if we didn't think all those things. If we didn't know what a great teammate he was, a great competitor he was, and obviously he's outstanding on the field. I've been doing this a long time, and there's not too many guys I know that can lift a team on the field more than Deebo with his competitive greatness. And like put a team on his back and will you to win games.......So, to get a chance to get him is something we really wanted to do and he'll be great for (offensive coordinator) Kliff's (Kingsbury) offense."
Deebo Samuel will open up the offense for Jayden Daniels from playing in the backfield, slot, outside, going deep, screens and making a play out of nothing!
— Up & Adams (@UpAndAdamsShow) March 31, 2025
Washington Commanders GM Adam Peters breaks down Deebo's impact on the team and offense.@heykayadams | @19problemzpic.twitter.com/zL9CrUFsXG
Peters' comments should ease anyone's concerns over Samuel. Even those criticizing Samuel's recent production know that his competitiveness is next-level. That competitive spirit makes him the perfect acquisition with so many others like him. Quarterback Jayden Daniels, linebacker Bobby Wagner, wide receiver Terry McLaurin, and head coach Dan Quinn are equally as competitive.
When you add in Samuel's competitive fire, playing with Daniels, wanting to earn a new contract, and proving to the 49ers that he's more than a "weapon," counting on a bounce-back season in 2025 is a good bet.
This article originally appeared on Commanders Wire: Commanders GM Adam Peters believes Deebo Samuel is perfect addition
