Deebo Samuel Sr. has a first-team All-Pro (2021) on his NFL résumé and seems destined to be dawning new colors this fall before his 30th birthday. Could he shift the hierarchy of the NFL at the highest level?
The value of the wide receiver position as a whole is on the rise across the NFL, and that makes Samuel’s potential landing spots an increasingly interesting proposition. Has he lost a step (just 51 catches and three touchdowns across his 15 games last season), or is there still difference-making potential in this unique skill set?
Deebo Samuel Sr. | The Logistics
This contractual situation gets in the weeds a little bit. If Samuel is traded before June 1, something that certainly seems to be likely with both sides posturing in recent days, this is how things shake out.
- $31,550,012 in dead money
New Team
- $15,430,530 bonus (prorated over five void years)
- $12,344,424 dead money in 2026 when the deal voids
- $4,256,106 against the cap in 2025
- $1,170,000 base salary
The team acquiring Samuel will pay him around $17.5 million in cash in 2025 on his current deal. However, with $15.4 million of that being an option bonus, his cap number for 2025 will be just $4.26 million, with the remaining $12.3 million hitting the cap when the contract voids in 2026.
Potential Suitors for Samuel
There is a need for receiving talent across all levels of teams entering the 2025 regular season. From teams with young quarterbacks and their best days ahead of them to teams with more established options looking to take the next step and everything in between.
— Deebo (@19problemz) February 9, 2025
Top Option: Denver Broncos
Bo Nix had a breakout rookie season, and he had one receiver reach 505 receiving yards (Courtland Sutton: 1,081). It’s unlikely that Samuel would come to town and usurp the incumbent WR1, but this is a team with an upward trajectory that needs help when it comes to furthering the growth of their franchise QB and a player with the experience of Samuel (93 games).
Nix ranked 24th in deep-ball passer rating and 13th on all other attempts. Samuel is a versatile option who can win on a variety of routes, but his ability to excel after the catch could open up things for Nix vertically, thus making this Denver Broncos offense far more explosive than in 2024.
Tier 2: New England Patriots and Washington Commanders
The Broncos ranked 13th in air yards per WR target this past season, with the Washington Commanders and New England Patriots both checking in below league average (19th and 20th, respectively). Samuel is capable of impacting the game in plenty of ways, but his YAC talents are unquestioned at this point.
WR Rank, YAC Per Reception
- 2019: 2nd (8.3)
- 2020: 1st (12.1)
- 2021: 1st (10.0)
- 2022: 1st (8.8)
- 2023: 1st (8.8)
- 2024: 2nd (8.3)
With second-year quarterbacks looking to develop, a player like Samuel is the type of floor elevator that makes for a perfect fit. Jayden Daniels had a level of that in Zach Ertz this past season, while Drake Maye is in need of an experienced option at any level.
Washington is much closer to competing at a high level, but with Samuel only 29 years of age, he should be considered a valuable piece for the next few seasons, putting both these teams on the list of very possible landing spots.
Other Teams That Might Make Sense for Deebo Samuel
Arizona Cardinals
This situation is a little cloudy. Marvin Harrison Jr. and Trey McBride own great pedigree and figure to be at the center of this passing game for years to come.
Are you confident that Michael Wilson has more to offer than what we’ve seen? If so, the Cardinals are unlikely to pay up for Samuel. If not, they are a serious threat, as this team needs to put points on the board to remain competitive.
Cleveland Browns
If money talks, this is an option. Samuel seems unlikely to go to a QB-needy team, but if the price is right, we can’t rule it out.
If he can prove his health, Samuel could elevate the talent of an average quarterback, something Cleveland could be in search of heading into the 2025 season.
Dallas Cowboys
Much like the Broncos, the Cowboys simply don’t have a reliable secondary option.
Jalen Tolbert (610) was second to CeeDee Lamb in receiving yards, and Jake Ferguson had a strong 2023. However, if this team is going to rebound, they’re going to need to keep Dak Prescott healthy and get him more help. Samuel’s physical style of play checks both of those boxes in a division that will only get more difficult to compete in.
Green Bay Packers
The Packers averaged the third-fewest short receptions per game in 2024. Samuel could fix that and give Josh Jacobs the WR1 that he has made known that he wants.
Samuel’s talent is one thing; the bumping of every receiver on this offense down a slot is another. And that would make Green Bay much more of a matchup nightmare this upcoming season.
Houston Texans
The Texans have a talented trio of receivers on their roster, but health is a major concern. Nico Collins is as good as it gets, but Tank Dell is unlikely to play this season, and Stefon Diggs could be hampered.
We saw C.J. Stroud take a step backward in Year 2, something that the Texans can’t thrive alongside. Houston is going to look to cure its offense, and adding WR help could be a means to that end.
Kansas City Chiefs
Rashee Rice’s health impacts how much sense a move like this makes, but with quarterback Patrick Mahomes’ average depth of target declining every season, a player like Samuel fits like a glove.
Pittsburgh Steelers
Do the Steelers feel they are a receiver away? What are they doing at the QB position?
There are more questions than answers in the Steel City right now, but Samuel would complement George Pickens well and potentially aid in the development of the talented but inconsistent wideout. This isn’t as clean of a landing spot, but that doesn’t mean Pittsburgh should be ruled out, especially in February.
