Jul 27, 2026, 4:11 PM CUT

Deebo Samuel gets honest about free agency struggle amid NFL uncertainty

PHILADELPHIA, PA - JANUARY 04: Washington Commanders wide receiver Deebo Samuel 1 greets Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver A.J. Brown 11 before the game between the Washington Commanders and Philadelphia Eagles on January 04, 2026 at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, PA. Photo by Kyle Ross/Icon Sportswire NFL, American Football Herren, USA JAN 04 Commanders at Eagles EDITORIAL USE ONLY Icon26010443

Deebo Samuel remains one of the most intriguing names still looking for a home as NFL training camps get underway. Instead of hiding his frustrations, Samuel admits that waiting for free agency has been tougher than expected.

The unrestricted free agent addressed the uncertainty in his YouTube video "Faith & Power | Deebo Samuel - OFFSEASON Episode 4," which was uploaded on July 21.

"I'm going on Year 8 … I still feel like I got a lot, at least like three, four good years left," Samuel said. "It's kind of been tough, not even going to lie to you. All the free agency stuff going on, waking up in the morning, looking at your phone, seeing if your agent hit you and was like, 'This team is interested,' or things along those lines."

PHILADELPHIA, PA - JANUARY 04: Washington Commanders wide receiver Deebo Samuel 1 enters the field before the game between the Washington Commanders and Philadelphia Eagles on January 04, 2026 at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, PA. Photo by Kyle Ross/Icon Sportswire NFL, American Football Herren, USA JAN 04 Commanders at Eagles EDITORIAL USE ONLY Icon260104136

According to a July 22 report by Jordan Dajani of CBS Sports, Samuel is one of the biggest veteran wide receivers still available. He is entering his 8th NFL season after being drafted in 2019.

At 30 years old, Samuel believes he still has three or four productive seasons left in the tank. He wants teams to know he is ready to contribute and is just waiting for the right opportunity.

"And it's been kind of like a roller coaster. Been through a lot, not just ball. With me and how I play this game, it's just like no matter what I'm going through, no matter what I'm doing, if I'm able to perform, I'm going to go out there and put it on the line for my team," Samuel added.

Samuel described this period as an emotional phase filled with uncertainty. Yet, despite these challenges, his commitment to giving maximum effort on the field has not changed.

Samuel remains an intriguing free agent even if he is no longer at his 2021 All-Pro peak. Creative offensive coaches may still view him as a valuable asset for their plans.

Deebo Samuel's 2025 production keeps him in contention

Samuel spent his first 6 seasons with the San Francisco 49ers and earned First-Team All-Pro honors in 2021. He was then traded to the Washington Commanders before the 2025 season.

After a strong one-year stint in Washington, he hit the open market as an unrestricted free agent.

According to the PFF website, his complete 2025 production included 72 receptions for 727 receiving yards and 5 receiving touchdowns. He also added 17 rushing attempts for 75 rushing yards and one rushing touchdown.

Samuel led Washington in receptions, receiving yards, and receiving touchdowns during that campaign.

He is now 30 years old and has a history of previous injuries. Additionally, several other veteran receivers are also available, which creates a crowded market.

Many NFL front offices prefer to wait until training camp injuries create roster needs before signing experienced veterans to a contract.

CBS Sports did project a few logical landing spots for the veteran. Their list included the Las Vegas Raiders, Indianapolis Colts, Cincinnati Bengals, Los Angeles Rams, and Los Angeles Chargers.

Which offense, according to you, needs his skill set the most right now?

Written by

Utsav Sinha

Edited by

Utsav Sinha