Why The 2022 Commanders Should Grow Impatient With This Player
So far this season, the Washington Commanders’ offense has been a wild roller coaster ride, with one player giving them mixed results.
Fans went into the season with high hopes that wide receiver Curtis Samuel could step into the number two receiver slot to support Terry McLaurin. However, a groin injury affected Samuel’s first season, with the Commanders only having him for five games to play throughout the year. He would only produce six catches for 27 yards in those five games.
Initially, the vision of the Commanders was to have Samuel be a Deebo Samuel type, as they could line him in the backfield as a running back and utilize his speed on quick/screen passes. So far, fans have seen him in multiple packages being used in various ways. His potential and talent have been shown more often this season than last.
He has recorded 42 catches for 390 yards and two touchdowns through eight games. He has also impacted the ground game with 17 carries for 106 yards. So, it is all looking good on the stat sheet, but something appears to be missing as it isn’t quite the experience Commanders fans were hoping to get out of him.
Commanders Should Have Concerns With Curtis Samuel
One of the biggest problems with Samuel’s play on the field with the Commanders is the drops. He’s currently tied for first in the NFL in drops with five through eight games. It’s an alarming issue, especially since he is supposed to be one of their top targets on the team.
His decrease in touches has been noticeable as well. In their 17-16 win over the Indianapolis Colts on Sunday, Samuel only touched the ball seven times with three catches and four rushes. While he was productive in the receptions, his number of targets went down. It’s a surprise since he leads the team in targets with 62.
It is noteworthy that Jahan Dotson will be returning from his hamstring injury soon, which could even decrease Samuel’s touches more than it has. As a result, fans will see him on the field less, with more players on offense returning from injury.
What Should The Commanders Do With Curtis Samuel?
This article should not be seen as something other than the Washington Commanders must cut or trade Samuel from the team due to his underachieving play. He has shown flashes of greatness and playmaking ability that the Commanders need. The speed and athleticism are there, making him a dangerous player on their offense.
What is alarming is his current contract and what the Washington Commanders will have to pay him in 2023. He signed a three-year contract worth $34.5 million last season. He is in the second of his three-year contract. The Commanders are looking at paying him $10.6 million in 2023 but a dead cap space of $7.2 million which is the smallest amount of dead cap in his contract.
The situation presents an interesting case for Washington. Depending on how Samuel plays the rest of the season, it could be a time when the Commanders decide whether they want to keep Samuel on the roster. On the other hand, based on what is owed to him, it might be their opportunity to let him walk or trade for a late-round pick.
The situation depends on whether Samuel can step up and be the good number two receiver they need. It has been a mixed bag through a year-plus of play. However, these last nine games might be the difference between Samuel staying with the Commanders or joining a new team in 2023.
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