One of the quickest means of turning around an NFL roster in the modern era is building around a rookie quarterback. The cost-controlled contract under the current Collective Bargaining Agreement allows teams with a talented rookie QB to load up around them via the draft, free agency, and trades, and enjoy an extended window of contention.
Deebo Samuel traded to Washington Commanders, per reports
Jayden Daniels has a new target in the passing game
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Mark Schofield is a former college quarterback and attorney covering the NFL and F1.
The latest example? The Washington Commanders. Behind rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels the Commanders made a dream run to the NFC Championship Game, and while their run fell short with a loss to the Philadelphia Eagles, Washington entered the offseason with the third-most effective cap space in the NFL — behind the New England Patriots and the Las Vegas Raiders — and a record of success.
And the rookie quarterback to build around.
That process has begun.
According to a report from NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport, the Commanders have swung a trade with the San Francisco 49ers for Deebo Samuel, the talented wide receiver. In return the Commanders are sending the 49ers a fifth-round draft pick:
With Samuel currently under contract the trade cannot be finalized until the league year begins on March 12. As part of the deal Washington will take on the final year of the receiver’s contract. Samuel is due a $17.55 million salary for the 2025 league year.
That did not stop the franchise from breaking a little news on social media with the perfect GIF:
As the roster now stands Washington has Samuel, Terry McLaurin, Dyami Brown, Noah Brown, Luke McCaffrey, Jamison Crowder, and Olamide Zaccheaus in the wide receiver room (Brown and Zaccheaus are free agents themselves). That is along with tight ends Zach Ertz and John Bates, and running backs Austin Ekeler and Brian Robinson Jr.
And the Commanders are just getting their offseason started.
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