The Washington Commanders are taking care of wide receiver Deebo Samuel less than a month after acquiring him via trade.
The Commanders agreed to a reworked contract with Samuel on Wednesday that will give him a bit of a raise, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter. As part of the deal, Samuel’s $17 million base salary becomes guaranteed, and he will also be eligible for up to $3 million in additional incentives.
Previously, Samuel’s salary was non-guaranteed for 2025. That would have changed around the start of the season, but the $3 million in bonuses is higher than the wide receiver’s previous number. Notably, the move still ensures that Samuel is in a contract year, and will still be eligible for free agency at the end of the 2025 season.
As a result of the deal, Washington will have to absorb all of Samuel’s cap hit in 2025, but they are clearly comfortable with that move.
In summary, Samuel can test the market at the end of the season and make a little more money than he would have without a revised contract. In the meanwhile, Washington receives cost certainty, and if they do not bring Samuel back, he will be fully removed from their books in 2026.
After being traded from San Francisco to Washington, Samuel seems to be very driven. The 29-year-old, who caught just 51 catches in 2024 for 670 yards and three touchdowns, will be hoping for a strong season.
