Replacements for Deebo Samuel
By: Jake Rajala
Deebo Samuel has been one of the most electrifying skill players over the past several years. He bled for the San Francisco 49ers and most recently with the Washington Commanders. Well, it appears that he will move on from the Commanders. Hence, I’m going to lay out potential replacements for him.
Curtis Samuel
Curtis Samuel may not have been an All-Pro with the Commanders, but he has experience with the squad. Hence, he knows the culture in Washington. In 2022, he recorded 843 total yards and five touchdowns as a “swiss army knife” with Washington. I’m not saying Samuel is Percy Harvin, but he is versatile and lethal. I wish he was a bit younger, as he’s 29 years old.
Brandon Aiyuk
The Commanders are in a prime spot to get Brandon Aiyuk from the 49ers. The best part about the Commanders failing to get a top notch WR early on is that they can get a quality WR in the second wave of the offseason. Aiyuk will most certainly leave the 49ers. Aiyuk unleashed 1,342 yards and several touchdowns in 2023. This earned him second team All-Pro honors. The addition of Mike Evans to the 49ers makes it more likely they will move on from Aiyuk.
Jahan Dotson
Similar to Samuel, Jahan Dotson has experience with the Commanders. In his rookie season with the Commanders, Dotson notched several touchdowns. Dotson has been buried on the 49ers WR chart, but he can come to life on an average WR group that needs his help. Dotson is 26 years old, so he’s still in his pime.
A.J. Brown
There was a lot of buzz surrounding the New England Patriots and A.J. Brown. Well, it doesn’t appear that Brown and the Pats will link up. The Commanders have a void at WR and they have a talented QB at the same time. This combination is perfect for their chance at landing Brown. Jayden Daniels took a step back last season. Perhaps his sophomore slump can be a speed bump and he can return to stardom with Brown.
Keenan Allen
Keenan Allen is still unsigned, which is mind-boggling. He had 81 receptions and 777 yards a season ago. He had a PFF grade of 77.6, which was 23rd among WRs. I would say he’s an excellent WR2 at this stage in his career. He is the oldest option on this list, as he’s 33 years old! I expect him to play a couple more seasons at most.
Tyreek Hill
I imagine that Tyreek Hill will look to join a team that is a Super Bowl contender. Nonetheless, they did reach the NFC Championship a couple of seasons ago. Furthermore, Washington has a stellar QB, which should be intriguing to Hill. Let’s not forget that the Commanders have the “second” most cap space in the NFL!
Tyler Lockett
Tyler Lockett isn’t a reliable WR1 or even a WR2, but he still can take the top off a defense. He’s also talented in space. The former Seahawks wideout had 600 yards in 2024 and 894 yards in 2023. Lockett is 33 years old, however. I expect him to play a couple of more seasons at most.
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