Deebo Samuel

Career StatsB+

Year	Team	GP	Rec	Yards	TD
Career		97	406	5,519	27
2025		16	72	727	5
2024		15	51	670	3
2023		15

Current Contract

Contract Value Index (CVI)

Deebo Samuel's contract earns a C+ Contract Value Index, with the AAV sitting where the comparable-tier deals tend to settle. At $17M annually on a one-year deal, Samuel is being paid at the upper-middle tier of the receiver market, yet his 2025 production—727 receiving yards across 16 games—falls squarely into respectable-starter territory rather than the elite, game-breaking output that once justified his premium pricing in San Francisco. The heel injury that sidelined him late in the season compounds the valuation question; teams evaluating a 30-year-old veteran receiver now factor in durability risk alongside declining dual-threat production, which naturally compresses his CVI grade despite a solid performance mark. As a seven-year veteran entering free agency with his contract voiding, Samuel finds himself in a genuine reclamation window—the Ravens and Raiders interest suggests real league-wide value at his current price point, but Washington's clear pivot toward other receiver options signals the Commanders themselves view him as replaceable rather than foundational. The one-year structure offers Samuel a last-chance audition at a veteran salary, making this a fair-value deal if he lands with a scheme that can maximize his remaining upside, but not a bargain given the health questions and the gap between his current output and his historical peak.

Contracts in the Same Value Band

Other same-position deals the Contract Value Index also places in the C band — a quick read on where Deebo's contract sits relative to comparable money.

Performance Analysis

Deebo Samuel remains a dynamic and versatile weapon in his seventh NFL season, bringing rare positional flexibility and proven production to the Washington Commanders at age 30. The seven-year veteran has carved out a B+ overall grade despite a recent performance dip, grounded in a track record of elite consistency and multi-dimensional impact that distinguishes him from one-dimensional receivers. His career passer rating of 102.8 and 8.00 yards per attempt reflect an established player who has thrived in high-volume, aggressive offensive systems. This season, Samuel's receiving yards per game of 45.4 rank well above the NFL average of 18.39, underscoring his continued role as a focal point of the offense and a red-zone threat. However, his yards per reception of 10.1 trails the league average of 12.13, suggesting shorter, less explosive routes or reduced separation downfield—a notable shift from his peak seasons. Conversely, his touchdown production of 0.31 per game exceeds the NFL average of 0.18, indicating efficiency in the scoring area remains his greatest strength. The concerning trend is the consecutive C+ grades in 2025 and 2024, a marked decline from his B+ level in 2023, which warrants monitoring as the season progresses. At 30 with diminished separation metrics, Samuel's ceiling may have contracted, though his red-zone production and receiving volume suggest he retains meaningful fantasy and real-world value in the right scheme. Watch for snap count allocation and target distribution—if usage declines further, it could signal a more significant downturn ahead.

How Deebo Compares at the Position

Deebo Samuel ranks 37th of 300 graded wide receivers by performance. That slots Deebo between Chris Godwin Jr. (B+) just ahead and Garrett Wilson (B+) just behind.

Current Sentiment

Deebo Samuel enters 2026 as a veteran receiver facing significant perception headwinds despite his seven-year NFL tenure and respectable career receiving totals. The absence of Pro Bowl or All-Pro recognition, combined with his $17M annual salary, positions him as a solid starter rather than an elite asset—a tier already vulnerable to negative coverage. Recent headlines emphasizing trade speculation, organizational uncertainty, and Samuel's own defensive comments about his remaining career window have created a narrative of decline and organizational doubt. Media framing around a potential August decision by Washington and the characterization of his situation as a 'nightmare' suggests fan and analyst sentiment has shifted toward skepticism about his fit and future value. Unless Samuel demonstrates a strong 2026 season or receives positive coverage momentum, his perception will likely remain in the concerning-to-concerning range for a player of his contract tier.