The Washington Commanders secured wide receiver Deebo Samuel Sr. for a measly fifth-round pick. They accomplished this feat by agreeing to take on his entire salary for the 2025 campaign.
It's no secret that the San Francisco 49ers are looking to trim the fat with quarterback Brock Purdy's extension imminent. Trading Samuel was just the start. They are also reportedly shopping fellow wideout Brandon Aiyuk despite tying him down to a long-term extension last spring. Others will also be on the chopping block next offseason when the signal-caller's potential extension comes into effect.
The Niners were willing to eat $31 million in dead money by removing Samuel. Washington was only too happy to take him off their hands with a cost-effective offer, accepting his $17.46 million salary-cap charge in the final year of his deal.
Peters knows Samuel well. If he thought this was a risk worth taking —especially considering the minuscule compensation attached — fans should trust his judgment. It's brought Washington's financial resources down considerably entering free agency, but one obvious move could ensure the former second-round pick's contract pays for itself.
Commanders can restore salary-cap flexibility by trading or releasing Jonathan Allen
This revolves around Jonathan Allen's future.
The veteran defensive tackle is looking for a fresh challenge and had his trade request granted by Peters. Washington wants to do right by the player after everything he's given to the organization. Couple this with his performance regression over the last two seasons, and it's not hard to see why a fresh start is the best possible solution for all parties.
If the Commanders don't find a willing trade partner for Allen, they could outright release the two-time Pro Bowler. That's not ideal, but it saves Washington around $16.46 million on its 2025 cap with $6 million in dead money.
Subtracting this figure from Samuel's contract means the Commanders are paying just $991,706 extra. It leaves a gaping hole on the defensive front that must be filled, but this is a deep draft class to find a cost-effective replacement with high-upside attached if Washington allocates an early pick to rectify the issue.
Peters is always thinking one step ahead. He's got a plan in place for long-term growth while also recognizing the need to be more aggressive to maximize quarterback Jayden Daniels' rookie contract. There's also the small matter of almost 30 free agents to navigate and only 47 players under contract.
It'll be another enthralling and eventful offseason for the Commanders. Their fanbase has newfound expectancy following an incredible run to the NFC Championship game in their first season under head coach Dan Quinn. That's raised the stakes for Peters entering his second recruitment period at the helm.
Samuel doesn't solve every problem, but he gets them closer. What's important from Peters' perspective is maximizing every resource and showing ruthlessness to those who don't fit into the team's plans.
Allen falls into that category. He's been a great servant to the Commanders and deserves to have his wishes granted. The fact this also saves the franchise so much during a critical offseason is a bonus.
The more cash Peters has, the better. He won't be reckless and the Commanders' being an attractive destination again helps enormously. It's the strongest position this sleeping giant has been in for decades. Capitalizing on this opportunity is vital.
Exciting times are ahead, but that won't include Allen unless there's a seismic shift from both sides.
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