In 2025, Deebo Samuel appeared in 16 games for Washington, posting 72 receptions for 727 yards and five touchdowns, a season that coincided with quarterback Jayden Daniels dealing with injuries and the offense facing some production volatility. Washington would like to retain Samuel, but a new prediction suggests he could sign elsewhere in free agency.
Fox Sports analyst Greg Auman has predicted that Samuel could land with the Los Angeles Chargers, pairing with Justin Herbert and a creative offensive mind led by Jim Harbaugh. Auman noted Samuel’s value had declined since his trade from San Francisco to Washington, including a roughly $17 million contract that year and a career-low 10.1 yards per catch in 2025.
Beyond Samuel’s potential move, Auman also forecast that Bobby Wagner could sign with the Los Angeles Rams, creating a scenario in which Washington could lose both veteran playmakers in the same offseason. Such developments would mark a significant shift from Washington’s recent past and would put new pressure on the franchise to rebuild.
Samuel’s 2025 production—while still solid—fell short of the peak levels he had shown earlier in his career, including a previous high of 18.2 yards per catch. This, along with his reduced involvement as a ballcarrier, shapes the expectation that his next deal could land in the $12–$14 million per-year range, according to the analyst.
The potential loss of both Samuel and Wagner would represent a worst-case scenario for Washington, which two years ago reached the NFC Championship Game and appeared poised for a championship run. With the offseason underway, the Commanders face a critical period to pursue aggressive moves to stabilize and retool the roster.
These projections come from Fox Sports analyst Greg Auman and were reported via Heavy Sports. While they reflect interesting scenarios, they remain predictions and not certainties as teams navigate the opening of free agency. Washington’s strategy in the coming weeks will shape whether these outcomes come to pass.
