Who Should I Start? Deebo Samuel or Marquise Brown

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.

Saturday, March 8, 4:10 PM

According to NFL's Ian Rapoport, wide receiver Marquise Brown has re-signed with the Kansas City Chiefs. The one-year deal is worth up to $11 million. Brown spent 2024 with Kansas City but was hindered by a shoulder injury he sustained during the preseason. The 27-year-old would appear in just two regular season games with the team, combining for nine catches and 91 scoreless yards. He'd also compete in each of the Chiefs' three playoff contests, though he wouldn't match his brief regular season production. It's good news for KC, as the unknown surrounding fellow wideout Rashee Rice's recovery and potential legal fallout from a multi-vehicle accident last offseason is still up in the air. Additionally, it's unclear if Kansas City will bring back veteran WR DeAndre Hopkins, and second-year teammate Xavier Worthy could be subject to his own discipline after a recent domestic violence incident. Things are looking hairy for the Chiefs' pass-catchers, but Hollywood's presence should be an anchor in their wide receiver corps despite the other talent around him.