The Deebo Samuel trade already came and went. His search for a new team, however, remains one of the more interesting storylines of the NFL offseason.
Samuel remains unsigned after spending the 2025 season with the Washington Commanders. The former All-Pro receiver wasn't quite the game-breaker he was during his peak years with the San Francisco 49ers, but he still showed he can help an offence. Samuel finished the year with 72 receptions for 727 yards and five touchdowns while appearing in 16 games. His credentials and his ability to play as both a receiver and runner have kept him firmly on the radar of several teams. According to USA Today's Jacob Camenker, the Baltimore Ravens and Las Vegas Raiders stand among the strongest potential fits as Samuel continues waiting for his next opportunity.
Which teams are interested in Deebo Samuel?
Category
| Details
|
Player Name
| Deebo Samuel
|
Previous Team
| Washington Commanders
|
Current Status
| Free Agent
|
Rumored Teams
| Baltimore Ravens, Las Vegas Raiders
|
2026 Dead Cap Hit
| $12.34 million (Commanders)
|
| Age | 30
|
| 2025 Statistics | 72 receptions, 727 yards |
| Market Status | Available in free agency |
| Latest Insider Update | USA Today identified Ravens and Raiders among the best fits
|
Many teams could justify pursuing Deebo Samuel before training camp opens, but the Baltimore Ravens and the Las Vegas Raiders stand out for different reasons. The Baltimore Ravens continue looking for dependable receiving help behind Zay Flowers. While Flowers has developed into Lamar Jackson's top target, Baltimore has frequently supplemented its receiving corps with veteran additions. The organization brought in DeAndre Hopkins last year and could follow a similar path again.
Samuel's versatility makes the fit particularly intriguing. Few receivers can line up in multiple spots while also handling designed rushing attempts. That flexibility could create additional opportunities in Todd Monken's offense while giving Jackson another experienced weapon.
Meanwhile, the Las Vegas Raiders enter the season with one of the younger receiver groups in the league. Tre Tucker and Jalen Nailor offer upside, but neither player has established himself as a long-term No. 1 option. Samuel would bring a different dimension to the offense. His physical playing style and experience could help stabilize the position group while providing quarterback Fernando Mendoza with a reliable target capable of generating yards after the catch.
What insiders are saying about the trade rumors?
The latest trade talk surrounding Samuel gained momentum after USA Today's Jacob Camenker identified both the Baltimore Ravens and the Las Vegas Raiders among the veteran receiver's most logical destinations. Camenker highlighted Baltimore's offensive structure while discussing why the Ravens could emerge as a serious option.
"Samuel's ability to serve as an out-of-the-backfield pass-catcher could appeal to Baltimore," Camenker wrote while evaluating potential landing spots for the former Washington Commanders playmaker.
That observation carries weight because Derrick Henry has never been heavily involved as a receiver throughout his NFL career. Adding Samuel would give the Ravens another player capable of creating production in short-yardage and space situations. Camenker also connected the Las Vegas Raiders to Samuel because of the team's youth at wide receiver.
"The Raiders are poised to enter the 2026 NFL season with a young, inexperienced receiving corps," he wrote while discussing why Las Vegas could pursue the veteran. Those comments immediately drew attention because Samuel remains one of the most accomplished offensive players still available. While he may no longer command the attention he did during his All-Pro campaign in 2021, teams continue valuing players who can impact games in multiple ways.
Several league observers believe his market could become more active as training camp approaches and clubs gain a clearer understanding of their roster needs.
Contract details and market implications
Deebo Samuel became an unrestricted free agent after completing his lone season with the Washington Commanders. According to Spotrac, he played the 2025 season under a one-year contract worth roughly $17.5 million. Before arriving in Washington, Samuel had signed a three-year extension with the San Francisco 49ers that carried an average annual value of nearly $24 million. His next contract is unlikely to approach those figures. At 30 years old, Samuel now enters a different stage of his career. Teams are more likely to view him as a complementary weapon than a franchise centerpiece. That reality could make a short-term agreement attractive for both sides.
Financially, both the Baltimore Ravens and the Las Vegas Raiders have avenues to structure a deal if mutual interest develops. At this stage, Samuel remains available. Still, with the Ravens and Raiders continuing to surface in NFL trade rumors and free-agent discussions, his situation remains one worth monitoring as the offseason progresses.
FAQs
Is Deebo Samuel getting traded?No. Samuel is currently a free agent after spending the 2025 season with the Washington Commanders. However, NFL trade rumors and speculation about his next destination continue to circulate.
Why are the Baltimore Ravens interested in Deebo Samuel?The Baltimore Ravens could use another proven receiving option behind Zay Flowers. Samuel's ability to contribute as both a receiver and runner makes him a strong schematic fit.
Why do the Las Vegas Raiders want Deebo Samuel?The Las Vegas Raiders have a young receiver room and could benefit from adding an experienced veteran who can help quarterback Fernando Mendoza.
What was Deebo Samuel's contract with the Washington Commanders?The star signed the 2025 season on a one-year contract worth approximately $17.5 million before becoming an unrestricted free agent.
Which team appears most likely right now?Recent reports alluded that the Baltimore Ravens and Las Vegas Raiders are the teams most connected to Samuel.