Who Should I Start? Deebo Samuel or Jayden Reed

Saturday, March 1, 6:59 PM

The Washington Commanders have acquired wide receiver Deebo Samuel Sr. from the San Francisco 49ers in exchange for a fifth-round draft pick. Samuel's name has been around several trade discussions throughout the offseason after his disappointing 2024 campaign. In 2024, Samuel found the back of the end zone just four times and tallied 836 all-purpose yards. Through the air, Samuel caught 670 yards on 51 receptions. This was his lowest receiving total since the 2022 campaign. On the ground, Samuel ran for 136 yards, which is his lowest total in a season in which he played in at least 15 games. The Washington Commanders lacked a proven No. 2 wideout opposite of Terry McLaurin throughout the 2024 season. Even though McLaurin set the franchise record in receiving touchdowns, their No. 2 and No. 3 wide receivers, Noah Brown and Dyami Brown, combined for just two receiving scores. Fantasy managers should expect Samuel to operate as the No. 2 pass catcher opposite of McLaurin. Even though he is entering his seventh professional season, he will still carry value as a WR2 in all formats catching passes from breakout rookie Jayden Daniels. In San Francisco, Brandon Aiyuk will operate as the top wideout with Jauan Jennings and Ricky Pearsall slotting behind him.

Tuesday, February 25, 9:22 PM

Green Bay Packers wide receiver Jayden Reed (shoulder) said on locker cleanout day at the end of last season that he tore his labrum in the wild-card playoff loss to the Philadelphia Eagles. General manager Brian Gutekunst said Reed could be limited during the offseason but should be fine for the start of training camp at the end of July. It was initially reported that the 24-year-old suffered a dislocated shoulder, but the good news is that he didn't require offseason surgery. In his second year in the NFL in 2024, Reed looked primed for his first 1,000-yard campaign early on, but he limped to the finish line and ended up with 55 catches on 75 targets for 857 yards and six touchdowns in 17 regular-season games (10 starts). He also added 20 carries for 163 yards and another score. He's settled in as a boom/bust WR3/flex in fantasy, but he could have more upside with Christian Watson (knee) set to miss at least half of 2025.