The fantasy football offseason has been busy as usual, and it heats up with NFL free agency and some big-time trades. This column is designed to be a one-stop shop for quick-hitting analysis of the most impactful player movement.
ESPN Fantasy writers Matt Bowen Tristan H. Cockcroft, Eric Karabell, Liz Loza and Eric Moody offer their insights into what each move means for a player's fantasy value in 2025.
The first domino falls: Deebo Samuel on the move
Bowen: With the Washington Commanders trading a fifth round pick for wide receiver Deebo Samuel Sr., let's discuss how he fits in Kliff Kingsbury's offense and what to expect from a fantasy perspective.
In Washington, Samuel will be deployed as a horizontal player based on scheme. And that fits with Kingsbury's system. Look for screens here, fly sweeps, underneath drive routes and crossers. Plus, Samuel could see some carries from backfield alignments. Remember, Samuel is better after the catch than before, using his straight line power to produce in open space.
Based on Samuel's '24 tape, I do see declining play-speed. But in Kingsbury's offense, with Jayden Daniels at quarterback, the Commanders can deploy Samuels as a catch-and-run target opposite of Terry McLaurin and that puts Samuel in the WR3 mix heading into next season.