The Washington Commanders are preparing to unveil Deebo Samuel, but the veteran wide receiver isn’t giving away any secrets about how he’ll be used.
Speaking at the team’s practice facility on September 4, Samuel was asked what fans can expect from him in Kliff Kingsbury’s offense. His answer was as short as it was intriguing: “One o’clock. Sunday. You’ll see,” he told the reporters.
That short answer didn’t reveal much, but it cranked up the anticipation for his long-awaited debut. Samuel has been the subject of immense anticipation since Washington acquired him from the San Francisco 49ers, with fans and media debating whether he’ll be featured more as a traditional receiver, a gadget weapon or a mix of both.
His cryptic words suggest the answer won’t be revealed until the Commanders open their season against the New York Giants.
Washington Commanders Keep Plans Close
The Commanders have gone to great lengths to keep their offensive approach under wraps, but they gave fans a taste of what may be in store during the preseason when Samuel dressed and played for Washington’s second game against the Bengals.
The Washington Post noted that Samuel played sparingly in the preseason, a move designed to conceal how Kingsbury plans to integrate him. Kingsbury has made secrecy part of the plan, choosing to keep Samuel’s role hidden until the opener rather than reveal wrinkles in preseason chatter.
Former Washington cornerback Fred Smoot explained why Samuel is such a valuable addition, telling Commanders.com on September 1 that the wideout will thrive thanks to the defensive attention Terry McLaurin commands.
“If I’m anybody on this roster excited to see Terry besides Jayden Daniels, it is Deebo Samuel Sr.,” Smoot said. “Deebo will benefit from that and blossom from that.”
Kingsbury has suggested Samuel will be used in a more defined role than in San Francisco, where he was often stretched thin as a hybrid option. The expectation is that he’ll spend more time as a true wide receiver, with his rushing ability available as a wrinkle when needed.
What Samuel Brings to the Offense
With Samuel able to line up all over the field, Washington’s offense gains a new layer of unpredictability. As Hogs Haven observed, that flexibility could translate into more space for McLaurin and Ekeler to operate.
For Daniels, having Samuel on the field means an additional playmaker who can turn a game around on any given play. Instead of relying almost exclusively on McLaurin, the rookie quarterback now has multiple proven targets, making the offense less predictable and, in turn, more dynamic.
Washington heads into the 2025 season with legitimate playoff aspirations. The Washington Post even identified Daniels as a dark-horse MVP candidate in its season preview, citing the improved roster around him. Samuel’s addition is a significant reason for that optimism, as he gives the Commanders the kind of weapon that forces defenses to adjust.
The biggest question hanging over Samuel isn’t talent — it’s durability.. Injuries have been a theme throughout Samuel’s career, and Washington will need to carefully manage his workload to keep him available. If he stays healthy, his debut could mark the start of a season that will continue to redefine expectations for the Commanders. If not, that excitement may prove fleeting.
Either way, Samuel’s message was clear: Fans won’t have to wait long to find out.
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