Deebo Samuel remains one of the most surprising names still available in free agency, and ESPN’s Matt Bowen has identified the Indianapolis Colts as the best landing spot for the versatile wide receiver. Samuel spent 2025 on a $17.5 million deal with the Washington Commanders, drawing interest from multiple teams seeking a multi-threat weapon. The Colts, building around quarterback Daniel Jones, could use Samuel’s rare skill set to complement their receiver corps. In an era where the ‘positionless’ offense is becoming the gold standard, Samuel represents the pinnacle of that evolution—a player who can act as a Z-receiver, a slot specialist, and a primary rushing threat from the backfield.
The connection makes schematic sense. Indianapolis added veteran Nick Westbrook-Ikhine this offseason to provide a steady hand and reliable blocking, but Samuel brings an entirely different dimension to coach Shane Steichen’s offense. Steichen, a disciple of the modern, high-motion offensive philosophy, has always looked for players who can create mismatches through movement. Samuel’s ability to line up in the slot, take jet sweeps, and create yards after catch (YAC) gives the Colts something they currently lack: a true ‘X-factor’ who forces defensive coordinators to scrap their standard coverage shells. With Alec Pierce working outside as a vertical threat and Josh Downs operating as a high-volume slot technician, Samuel would add a dynamic third option that stresses defenses both horizontally and vertically, effectively preventing opponents from doubling any single target.
Why Indianapolis Fits Samuel’s Profile
Indianapolis is in win-now mode with Daniel Jones under center, and the front office has been aggressive about maximizing the roster around him. The transition to Jones requires a supporting cast that can bail out a quarterback during pressured pockets; Samuel is the ultimate safety valve. Steichen’s offense relies heavily on pre-snap motion, play-action concepts, and versatile personnel groupings—all areas where Samuel thrives. By utilizing Samuel in ‘Wide Back’ roles, Steichen can force linebackers into coverage or pull safeties toward the line of scrimmage, opening up the intermediate passing game for Downs.
His career yards-after-catch numbers rank among the league’s best, and his ability to function as both a receiver and a runner would give Steichen additional schematic flexibility that mirrors the success he saw during his time as an offensive coordinator in Philadelphia. The tape from Samuel’s Washington stint shows the explosiveness is still there. He averaged 12.3 yards per reception in 2025, proving he can threaten defenses at all three levels. The Colts’ current receiver room lacks a true YAC weapon who can turn a five-yard hitch into a twenty-yard gain. Samuel would immediately become the most dynamic playmaker in that group, providing a physical presence that can break tackles and move the chains on third-and-short, reducing the pressure on Jones to make perfect throws.
Samuel’s Versatility Sets Him Apart
Deebo Samuel’s value extends beyond traditional receiver production. During his legendary tenure in San Francisco, he became one of football‘s most unique offensive weapons, redefining the role of the ‘hybrid’ player. He wasn’t just a receiver who could run; he was a running back who could stretch the field. His 2019 campaign—over 1,500 total yards and All-Pro honors—remains the gold standard for what a versatile receiver can accomplish in the right scheme. This historical productivity proves that when Samuel is integrated into a system that values creativity over rigid position labels, his ceiling is astronomical.
The numbers reveal consistent production when healthy. Samuel has averaged 14.1 yards per touch over his career, placing him in elite company alongside players like Christian McCaffrey in terms of efficiency. His ability to generate yards after the catch—having posted YAC totals above 600 yards in multiple seasons—makes him particularly valuable in an offense like Indianapolis’s that emphasizes quick passing and horizontal stretches. Bowen specifically noted that Samuel’s skill set would complement Pierce and Downs perfectly. While Pierce provides the ‘long’ game and Downs provides the ‘short’ game, Samuel provides the ‘explosive’ game, creating a three-man group with distinct and complementary strengths that can adapt to any game script.
Key Developments
- Samuel’s 2025 production profile makes his continued free agency availability notable, especially for a player with his versatility
- Bowen cited the fit with Steichen’s scheme as the primary reason Indianapolis stands out among potential suitors
- Westbrook-Ikhine’s addition addressed depth, but Samuel would provide a significantly different dimension as a YAC specialist
- Daniel Jones’s health will be a determining factor in how aggressively Indianapolis pursues additional weapons
- Few NFL players can contribute across multiple phases of the offense the way Samuel has throughout his career
What Comes Next
The Colts are not the only team monitoring Samuel’s situation, but Bowen’s analysis suggests Indianapolis offers the best combination of scheme fit, opportunity, and competitive timeline. Samuel’s asking price will be the key variable. Coming off a $17.5 million contract with Washington, he may want a deal in that neighborhood, though the current market—characterized by a tightening of wide receiver caps—could push him toward a more team-friendly structure. For the Colts, the financial hurdle is manageable if they view Samuel as a cornerstone piece for a playoff push.
There is also the health question. Samuel has dealt with various injuries throughout his career, including a shoulder issue that limited him in 2024 and various soft-tissue concerns. Any team signing him will want a rigorous physical before committing significant guaranteed money. A one-year ‘prove-it’ deal with performance incentives might be the most likely outcome, giving Samuel a chance to re-establish his market value as an elite hybrid while giving the Colts flexibility to evaluate his chemistry with Daniel Jones.
For Indianapolis, the upside is clear. Adding Samuel would transform their receiver room from a collection of complementary pieces into a genuinely dangerous unit. The Colts’ offensive line has been a strength, providing Jones with the pocket stability needed to execute complex reads. Samuel’s ability to create after the catch would maximize every completion, essentially turning mediocre plays into highlights. If the two sides agree on terms, this could be one of the most impactful signings of the 2026 offseason, potentially catapulting the Colts from a middle-of-the-pack contender to a legitimate AFC powerhouse.
Why is Deebo Samuel still unsigned in 2026?
Samuel remains available after playing 2025 on a $17.5 million contract with Washington. Injury concerns and contract expectations have likely contributed to the slow market, though his versatile skill set would fit numerous offenses across the league.
How does Samuel fit Shane Steichen’s offense?
Steichen’s scheme relies on pre-snap motion and versatile personnel, which aligns perfectly with Samuel’s ability to line up in the slot, run jet sweeps, and create after the catch. He would add a dynamic YAC element that Indianapolis currently lacks.
What was Samuel’s last contract worth?
Samuel played the 2025 season on a $17.5 million deal with the Commanders. His next contract could depend on how teams weigh his versatility against his recent injury history.
Which other teams might pursue Samuel?
While Bowen identified Indianapolis as the best landing spot, Samuel’s unique skill set could fit in a variety of offenses. Teams needing a versatile playmaker with YAC ability could enter the bidding as training camp approaches.
