Commanders’ Investment in Deebo Samuel Paying Off, But Future Contract Issues Loom
Adam Peters had faith in Deebo Samuel Sr. when almost everyone else had written him off. The Washington Commanders have been rewarded with a renaissance start to the 2025 season from the wide receiver.
Samuel heard all the criticism. Accusations of not being locked in and poor conditioning were rife during his final season with the San Francisco 49ers. The versatile offensive weapon showed up in Washington with renewed focus, determined to turn the tide and silence his doubters.
This is precisely what the Commanders had in mind when they sent a fifth-round pick to the Niners. However, it has presented Peters with a possible headache if the same trend continues.
Commanders heading for a contract collision with Deebo Samuel Sr.
The Commanders got Samuel on the relative cheap in part because he is out of contract next spring. San Francisco had no intention of keeping him around beyond 2025, so they got what they could while they could. This urgency to answer the critics is one thing, but the added incentive of another lucrative contract can bring about improved effort.
Peters felt like it was a risk worth taking. It's paying off, and Samuel is on pace to go over 1,000 all-purpose yards (rushing and receiving) if he maintains his outstanding opening. That's not going to be cheap to keep around, although the Commanders are projected to have $84.14 million in available salary-cap space with just 34 players under contract.
That sum could increase when restructures and releases occur. But with the likes of Laremy Tunsil, Frankie Luvu, and Daron Payne, among others, also on the hunt for extensions, coupled with quarterback Jayden Daniels being extension-eligible after the 2026 campaign, it's not hard to see why keeping everyone happy is going to be a complicated process for Peters to navigate.
It's something to monitor. At the same time, it's a problem for the future.
The Commanders are currently focusing on the regular season. Peters' primary goal is to do whatever he can to strengthen the roster and assess the options around almost constantly. Everything else, including his potential dilemma with Samuel, can wait.
This is a nice problem to have. The Commanders took a flier on Samuel, believing he still had a lot of good football left. That looks to be a shrewd investment so far, and his chances of getting another deal in Washington or elsewhere have already increased exponentially.
Maintaining it and staying healthy are the new challenges. But based on his initial impact, Samuel looks more than capable of passing these with flying colors.
Colts’ Cornerback Depth Gets a Boost with Keenan Garber’s Signing
Colts Sign Undrafted Cornerback Keenan Garber Following Xavien Howard’s Retirement
In a move to strengthen their cornerback depth after the sudden retirement of veteran Xavien Howard, the Indianapolis Colts have signed undrafted rookie Keenan Garber to their practice squad. Garber, who spent training camp with the Minnesota Vikings, has the potential to be a hidden gem for the Colts’ secondary.
Garber’s football journey has been anything but conventional. He began his collegiate career as a wide receiver at Kansas State before making a transition to cornerback. Over the past six seasons, Garber developed into a key defensive player, making 17 starts and accumulating 52 tackles, 11 passes defended, and two interceptions, one of which was a 45-yard pick-six. Despite being waived by the Vikings after the preseason, Garber’s impressive performance during training camp caught the attention of the Colts, who were actively seeking reinforcements at cornerback.
The decision to sign Garber comes shortly after Xavien Howard’s abrupt retirement. The 32-year-old Howard, a four-time Pro Bowler and former Miami Dolphins standout, had joined the Colts just a few months ago. However, after struggling in the Colts’ Week 4 loss to the Los Angeles Rams, Howard decided to walk away from football to focus on his family, leaving a hole in the secondary.
The Colts, with a 3-1 record, now look to Garber to provide depth at the cornerback position. The rookie will have an opportunity to learn from the team's established stars, including Johnathan Edwards and Charvarius Ward, as they prepare for their Week 5 matchup against the Las Vegas Raiders. With a strong work ethic and a drive to prove himself, Garber could emerge as a key contributor down the line for the Colts.
