Washington Commanders head coach Dan Quinn has already told wide receiver Deebo Samuel what he expects from him next season, after being traded from the San Francisco 49ers.
On Saturday, Samuel became the first player to be traded during the 2025 offseason after being sent to Washington in exchange for a fifth-round pick. Samuel, who has one year remaining on his contract, will cost the 49ers $15.1 million on this year’s salary cap, with $31,020,600 being eaten in dead cap money, per Spotrac.
Samuel will cost the Commanders $17.5 million in salary cap, and Washington will have the opportunity to extend his deal. Samuel spent the first six seasons of his NFL career in San Francisco, but coach Quinn is hoping that his “competitive spirit” will help the Commanders after a stunning comeback season.
The Commanders ended their 19-year wait for a playoff win in style last season, as quarterback Jayden Daniels steamrolled his way to Offensive Rookie of the Year and led Washington to the NFC Championship game. With more than half of their 53-man roster eligible for free agency, it’s a pivotal time for the franchise to form its roster.
Samuel has been added to provide Daniels with another weapon, and ease the load on fellow receiver Terry McLaurin, who had a career-high 13 touchdowns and 1,096 yards last season. Samuel has struggled for consistency since his breakthrough season in 2021, in which he had 1,405 yards and 14 touchdowns (six receiving).
The 29-year-old is keen to rediscover his previous form, and Quinn has already outlined his job description should he wish to remain on the Commanders long-term. At the NFL Combine in Indianapolis, Quinn was asked what he expects from his players after reaching the NFC Championship for the first time since 1991.
Dan Quinn is looking to be even more competitive in 2025
“At the very front of the line, man, are we looking for the competitive spirit in a player,” Quinn said. “Guys who absolutely love ball. They’re willing to show that connection with their teammates. Some of that shows up in meetings like it does here — leadership, tell me some examples.”
Quinn is also looking to develop a winning culture, meaning that those who don’t align with Washington’s values won’t be retained. With so many players eligible for free agency and only six picks in the 2025 NFL Draft, the front office doesn’t want players who won’t give everything for the team.
“Culture is how we get down every day: that’s the identity of our team, our behaviors, our habits,” Quinn added. “I wanted to make sure that type of identity and team, we could do that, but it had to be through the team. Because you put something on the wall, doesn’t mean that’s who you are. It’s how you live and how you get down. The play style. The identity.”
The Commanders were one of the big winners of the 2024 NFL Draft, and for the second year in a row, the No. 2 pick had a considerably better season than the first-overall selection. “We had a helluva draft class. We’re looking forward to following up on that this year,” Quinn said.
“Especially now that we know who we are even more clearly. Our rookies played real time and had significant roles for us last season. We counted on them as teammates not as rookies.”