Hogs Haven
A collection of articles, podcasts & tweets from around the web to keep you in touch with the Commanders
“They’re getting a motivated Deebo,” Samuel said of the Commanders Thursday in his introductory video conference with reporters via the Associated Press. “I’m very motivated. I’m just ready to get back to work. I’m just ready to get around a group of guys, meet with the players and we just go from there.”
Samuel was admittedly overweight last season, had sideline outbursts and complained about his usage in Kyle Shanahan’s offense. Following the trade, the 29-year-old is out to show he’s still a playmaking force.
The Commanders showed their faith by guaranteeing his $17 million salary and adding $3 million more in incentives.
“It just kind of shows what they think,” Samuel said. “For me on my end, it’s just like they put this much trust in me to do the things they as far as my contract, I can’t come in here and let them down. I’ve got to give it my all. I’ve got to do all the things that I need to do to be the best version of myself when I come here.”
Samuel said in his introductory news conference Thursday that his decision was “tougher than most people think” because of the relationships he developed in San Francisco. He gave the 49ers a list of five preferred destinations, with Washington one of the five.
“Being in San Francisco, I like winners. I like to win,” Samuel said, via David Bonilla of 49erswebzone. com. “I’m not one of your biggest losers. They went to the NFC Championship.”
The Commanders had several draws for Samuel, including his familiarity with General Manager Adam Peters, who previously served as the 49ers’ assistant G.M., and his desire to return to the East Coast. The Commanders’ immediate turnaround with quarterback Jayden Daniels also was a plus.
Washington gave up a fifth-round pick to acquire him, a small price for a potentially significant return. Finding players with something to prove has been a theme for the Commanders in consecutive offseasons, but with Samuel, they raised the stakes further.
The Commanders tacked on $3 million in incentives to his contract while also guaranteeing his salary, according to a person familiar with the terms. Samuel has only a year left on his contract. It’s a small show of trust, but it also stokes Samuel’s competitive fire. Instead of trying to extend his contract before seeing how he performs, the Commanders kept it at one year, with a $17.5 million salary cap charge this season.
Anything more is up to Samuel.
