Where will former Commanders WR Deebo Samuel land next?

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One of the players that the Washington Commanders elected not to bring back in 2026 was wide receiver Deebo Samuel. Samuel performed well in 2025, especially when Terry McLaurin missed time for the first time in his career with an injury. Still, he didn't break 1,000 yards receiving in 2025 and averaged just 10.1 yards per reception. After an average season, the Commanders felt they needed more from the position.

Where does that leave Samuel, though? He's still an unrestricted free agent with several years left in his career, provided he stays healthy. Pro Football Focus thinks the ideal landing spot for the former Commanders' wideout is not with his previous team, but with the Minnesota Vikings.

PFF Free-Agent Rank: No. 24

The Vikings put an emphasis on retooling their impressive defense in the draft, grabbing Caleb Banks, Jake Golday and Domonique Orange with their first three picks. However, Minnesota could use more at receiver after losing Jalen Nailor to the Raiders.

Samuel’s effectiveness has taken a step back over the last two campaigns, but he still finished 2025 with a 70.3 PFF receiving grade and 1.66 yards per route run. Further, Samuel’s 6.5 yards after the catch per reception was fourth among wideouts with 95 or more targets.

Next to Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison, Samuel could help fill Nailor’s void in the slot while infusing more juice after the catch and overall creativity for Kevin O’Connell.

What Samuel has to offer the Vikings is in the slot. That's another reason the Commanders didn't bring him back, because he's not really a deep ball threat, and they need more players who can be that threat. Samuel still has plenty to offer in the slot, including gaining yards after the catch.

As indicated by PFF, Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison are the Vikings' outside receivers. It's worth noting that PFF called Minnesota Samuel's ideal landing spot before the Vikings signed Jauan Jennings — Samuel's former teammate with the 49ers.

So, it's safe to say Samuel probably will not end up in Minnesota after all.

This article originally appeared on Commanders Wire: Washington Commanders: Where could Deebo Samuel land next?

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