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As we look toward the 2023 regular season, we count down the most important players for the Washington Commanders ahead of training camp. On Friday, No. 20 was quarterback Jacoby Brissett.
We continue our countdown today with No. 19, wide receiver Curtis Samuel.
Samuel signed a three-year deal with the Commanders in March 2021. Unfortunately, a groin injury in the spring led to surgery, and Samuel played a total of 84 snaps. He finished with six receptions for 27 yards.
Samuel’s disappointing season led Washington to select wide receiver Jahan Dotson in the first round of the 2022 NFL draft. Fully healthy, Samuel bounced back in 2022, appearing in all 17 games, catching 64 passes for 656 yards and four touchdowns. He also rushed for 187 yards and a touchdown.
The trio of Samuel, Dotson and Terry McLaurin gave the Commanders one of the NFL’s more formidable wide receiver trios.
Samuel’s versatility makes him a valuable part of Washington’s offense. Former offensive coordinator Scott Turner used Samuel a lot in the backfield. That made sense, as Samuel is a former college running back. Under new offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy, Samuel figures to line up everywhere. Bieniemy can use Samuel in the backfield, the slot, or split him out wide. One area where Washington fans would’ve preferred to see Samuel used more in 2022 was in the screen game. He’ll have that chance with Bieniemy.
Washington has a solid top four at wide receiver with McLaurin, Dotson, Samuel and Dyami Brown. However, an injury to either of the top three could create a depth problem for the Commanders.
The 2023 season is a big one for Samuel. He will enter unrestricted free agency again in 2024. If Brown takes a step forward in his development, Samuel will likely be elsewhere next season.
But for 2023, Samuel should have a big role in the offense. Bieniemy will do everything he can to make young quarterback Sam Howell comfortable. Having a weapon like Samuel is beneficial for any young passer.