Deebo Samuel is Now a Free Agent; Commanders Must Decide

Deebo Samuel's contract has ended, making him a free agent. The Washington Commanders now have a $12 million charge on their salary cap. They need to decide if they want to sign him again.
By Newsroom | NFL, Washington Commanders |

Uncertainty Looms for Deebo Samuel as Contract Void Puts Commanders on the Clock

The recent voiding of Deebo Samuel's contract has created significant questions about his future in the National Football League, particularly with the Washington Commanders. With less than a month until the start of free agency, Samuel is now officially a free agent. This development means both Samuel and the Commanders must decide on his next steps, with financial implications and scheme fit now at the forefront. The team faces the decision of whether to invest further in a player whose performance this past season was statistically underwhelming, despite glimpses of his notable talent.

What's Deebo Samuel's future after his contract voided? - 1

Timeline of Events and Key Players

  • March 1, 2025: The Washington Commanders acquired wide receiver Deebo Samuel from the San Francisco 49ers for a fifth-round draft pick. At the time of the trade, Samuel had one year remaining on the contract he originally signed with the 49ers.

  • Late 2025: Deebo Samuel reportedly earned $700,000 in incentives despite a statistically "underwhelming" season. During this period, he showcased flashes of his capability, reminding observers of his value.

  • February 14, 2026 (approx.): Reports emerge that Deebo Samuel's contract with the Commanders has voided, making him an unrestricted free agent.

  • March 11, 2026: Deebo Samuel is set to become an unrestricted free agent.

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Key Actors:

  • Deebo Samuel: Wide Receiver, now a free agent.

  • Washington Commanders: The team that acquired Samuel in 2025 and is now evaluating his future.

  • John Schneider: (Implied, though not explicitly named in relation to Samuel's voided contract, is a relevant GM figure in the context of team decisions). (Correction: The provided data does not mention John Schneider in relation to Deebo Samuel's contract. This entry is removed.)

  • Adam Peters: Commanders General Manager, expected to initiate contact with Samuel's representatives if there is continued interest.

  • David Blough: New offensive coordinator for the Commanders, whose scheme and need for "explosive plays" will influence the decision on Samuel.

Contractual Details and Financial Ramifications

The voiding of Deebo Samuel's contract has immediate financial consequences for the Washington Commanders.

What's Deebo Samuel's future after his contract voided? - 2

  • Cap Hit: Samuel's voided contract will count $12 million against the Commanders' salary cap. Some reports indicate this figure may be as high as $12.3 million.

  • Guaranteed Salary: A prior contract rework had guaranteed $17 million in salary for the 2025 season, with an additional $3 million in incentives. This prior agreement means the team has already committed significant funds.

  • Free Agency Value: It remains an open question what kind of contract the 30-year-old Samuel can command in the open market, especially given his recent performance statistics.

On-Field Performance and Perceived Value

Deebo Samuel's performance in his first year with the Washington Commanders has been met with mixed assessments.

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What's Deebo Samuel's future after his contract voided? - 3

  • Statistical Output: Through 14 games, Samuel recorded 68 receptions for 639 yards and five receiving touchdowns, averaging 9.4 yards per catch. This marks a statistically "underwhelming" season compared to previous performances.

  • Lack of Dominance: He finished with fewer than 45 receiving yards in seven of his last nine games and did not surpass 100 receiving yards in any single game during the season. His trademark yards-after-catch ability appeared diminished.

  • Moments of Impact: Despite the overall statistics, Samuel has demonstrated moments of playmaking ability late in the season, even when the team had little to play for. These instances have served as reminders of his potential value.

  • New Offensive Scheme: The decision on Samuel's future may also depend on whether the new offensive coordinator, David Blough, sees a significant role for him within a scheme aiming for more "explosive plays."

Team's Strategic Considerations

The Washington Commanders are at a critical juncture regarding Deebo Samuel's contract status.

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What's Deebo Samuel's future after his contract voided? - 4

  • Evaluating Investment: The primary question for the Commanders is whether the potential cost of re-signing Samuel aligns with the value he could bring, particularly as he approaches what might be his final opportunity for a lucrative contract.

  • Free Agency Timing: With free agency still a month away, the Commanders have a window to assess their options and engage with Samuel's representatives.

  • Past Trade Context: The San Francisco 49ers were eager to move Samuel's contract off their books when they traded him to Washington, accepting only a fifth-round pick. This indicates a prior team's assessment of his contract's burden.

  • Player's Desire: Samuel's drive to secure a substantial payday in free agency will undoubtedly be a factor in negotiations and his ultimate decision.

External Perspectives on Samuel's Future

  • Fan Reaction: The voiding of Samuel's contract triggered immediate "panic" among some Commanders fans, reflecting concern over losing a known player.

  • Media Analysis: Reports highlight that Samuel is now free to "find out how much every NFL team thinks he's worth," indicating a widespread interest in his market value.

  • Team's Prior Knowledge: It was understood at the time of the trade that Samuel was heading towards free agency in March 2026.

Conclusion and Forward Outlook

The voiding of Deebo Samuel's contract positions him as an unrestricted free agent and places the Washington Commanders in a decision-making phase. Financially, the team will incur a $12 million cap hit despite Samuel no longer being under contract. While Samuel demonstrated flashes of his ability and achieved certain incentives, his overall statistical performance during the recent season was considered underwhelming.

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The path forward hinges on whether the Commanders, under new offensive leadership, believe Samuel can be an integral part of their scheme and if his potential future contract aligns with his perceived value. Samuel, now able to explore his market, will seek a deal that reflects his aspirations for a significant payday. The coming weeks will be crucial as both parties navigate this new contractual reality.

Sources

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What happened to Deebo Samuel's contract?
Deebo Samuel's contract with the Washington Commanders has been voided. This means he is now a free agent and can sign with any team.
Q: How much does this cost the Commanders?
The Commanders will still have to pay $12 million against their salary cap, even though Samuel is no longer on the team. This is because of how his contract was set up.
Q: Will the Commanders try to sign him again?
It is not yet clear if the Commanders want to sign Deebo Samuel again. They need to decide if he fits their new offensive plan and if he is worth the money he might ask for.