With Deebo Samuel trade, Commanders get Jayden Daniels a needed weapon in 2025 - ESPN

ASHBURN, Va. — The film suggests Washington Commanders receiver Deebo Samuel still has something left in the tank.

He can still turn shorter catches into long runs. He can still play physically. He can still create chances for teammates because of the way opposing defenses must account for him. And, perhaps most importantly, he can add an element Washington has sorely needed.

"[He's] so damn tough," one NFC coach said.

• NFL stars recall vivid combine memories
• Draft? Free agency? Bears focused on pass rush
• Sizing up Commanders' potentially big offseason
• Will Broncos extend Sutton beyond 2025?
• Giants' QB situation and the NFL combine

The coach raved about his balance through contact and called Samuel a «total baller» on offense.

But then came the big caveat.

«Can he be healthy and available?» the coach asked.

And that's the big question no one can answer until Samuel suits up for the Commanders after being traded from the San Francisco 49ers on Saturday. It's not that Samuel misses a lot of games — he has missed a combined nine in the past four years. It's about the cumulative toll of his physical style as he creeps into his 30s. And it's ultimately why Washington only needed to send a fifth-round pick to acquire the former All-Pro from the 49ers.

But Washington has bet on veteran stars before — and it paid off. Last offseason, the franchise signed linebacker Bobby Wagner, tight end Zach Ertz and running back Austin Ekeler. Wagner and Ertz started every game and all three were productive, with Wagner earning second-team All-Pro honors. Ekeler also had strong numbers, though he did miss five games.

Samuel, 29, is eight months younger than Ekeler, and arrives with an intriguing skill set that can be enhanced, or at