Commanders may have left Deebo Samuel staring at a painful new reality

Rumors around the Washington Commanders focus on Stefon Diggs or Brandon Aiyuk, while Deebo Samuel remains unsigned after Washington initially did not re-sign him. An ESPN analyst identifies the Indianapolis Colts as the best landing spot for Samuel. The fit centers on head coach Shane Steichen’s ability to tailor an offense that maximizes Samuel’s yards-after-the-catch skills. The plan would complement existing targets such as Alec Pierce and slot receiver Josh Downs, while using manufactured touches like screens and fly sweeps. Samuel’s addition would also create another catch-and-run option for quarterback Daniel Jones alongside tight end Tyler Warren. The Colts’ roster includes Jonathan Taylor, a solid defense, and a strong offensive line, making the move plausible if contract terms align.

"Matt Bowen of ESPN named the Indianapolis Colts as the best landing spot for Samuel. He thought the presence of head coach Shane Steichen could put a plan together to maximize his skill set, especially when it comes to his ability to generate yards after the catch. "[Deebo] Samuel would bring a unique skill set to coach Shane Steichen's offense as a complement to Alec Pierce and slot man Josh Downs. Steichen can create a long runway for Samuel to get up to speed on crossers, while building in manufactured touches on screens and fly sweeps. "Signing Samuel, who caught 72 passes last season in Washington, would also give quarterback Daniel Jones another catch-and-run target alongside tight end Tyler Warren. Both Samuel and Warren ranked in the top 15 of yards after the catch last season.""

"This makes sense. The Colts are a borderline wild-card challenger if everyone gets a clear run of luck on the health front and quarterback Daniel Jones makes a successful return from a torn Achilles. Their defense is solid. They also have running back Jonathan Taylor, wide receiver Alec Pierce, tight end Tyler Warren, and a formidable offensive line. If the money works, this does make a ton of sense."

"For all the smoke around Aiyuk and Diggs, there is almost none around the Commanders potentially re-signing Deebo Samuel Sr. He's still sitting on the market after Washington didn't bring him back initially. That is surprising, given how well he performed last season, but he might just be waiting for the right opportunity."

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