Washington Commanders WR Oozing Confidence Ahead of 2025 Season

Newsweek

a day ago

Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources.
During the offseason, the Washington Commanders made notable upgrades on the offensive end to help propel Jayden Daniels towards stardom. Though one has been met with some negative feedback, the young QB's newest weapon is eager to silence his critics.
After spending the first six years of his career with the San Francisco 49ers, Deebo Samuel found himself on the move this offseason. He was dealt to the Commanders, landing on another budding contender in the NFC.
Earlier in his career, Samuel was viewed as one of the most dynamic wideouts in the NFL. However, the narrative around him has changed in recent years. Having heard all the outside noise for months now, the veteran wideout is confident he can get his career back on track in 2025.
Also read: Commanders Coach Reflects on Deebo Samuel Elevating Jayden Daniels
Deebo Samuel makes confident statement ahead of first season with the Commanders
DECEMBER 30: Deebo Samuel Sr. #1 of the San Francisco 49ers looks on while warming up prior to the start of an NFL football game against the Detroit Lions at Levi's Stadium on December 30,...
DECEMBER 30: Deebo Samuel Sr. #1 of the San Francisco 49ers looks on while warming up prior to the start of an NFL football game against the Detroit Lions at Levi's Stadium on December 30, 2024 in Santa Clara, California. More
Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Before being traded, Samuel saw his production take a hit in 2024. On top of this, he's had to deal with countless people in and around the league commenting on his physical appearance. Samuel didn't let any of this get to him and instead used it as a source of motivation.
During OTAs, clips of Samuel went viral after he was seen jogging while running routes. This led to incessant chatter about him being out of shape. In the weeks leading up to training camp, Samuel worked hard to prove that wasn't the case.
While speaking with Nicki Jhabvala of The Athletic, Samuel opened up on where his head is at heading into his first year in Washington. After all the success the Commanders had last season, he's eager to come in ready to help get them over the hump.
"Had to take it to another level as far as conditioning and training," Samuel said. "My mindset is to come back, be in the best shape, be the best version of myself to take that extra step. They were in the NFC Championship last year, but last year is last year."
Also read: Radio Host Makes Shocking Prediction on Commanders' Terry McLaurin
Samuel entering the season hungry to succeed is great news for the Commanders, as they might need him more than they initially anticipated. With things between Terry McLaurin and the front office still ongoing, there's no telling what his status will be come Week 1. This leaves Samuel as the guy to fill the void and be Daniels' top option to start the year.
Based on his recent remarks, it seems Samuel is ready to take on any role the Commanders throw his way.
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