Who Should I Start? Deebo Samuel Sr. or Jayden Higgins

Friday, March 21, 4:02 PM

Washington Commanders wide receiver Deebo Samuel Sr. noted in his introductory conference with reporters via The Associated Press that the team is "getting a motivated Deebo." "I'm just ready to get back to work." said the seventh-year pro. "I'm just ready to get around a group of guys, meet with the players, and we just go from there." The 29-year-old hasn't quite reached the heights of his absurd 1,770-yard, 14-touchdown All-Pro season in 2021. However, he has provided a versatile chess piece in Kyle Shanahan's offenses over the years. The South Carolina product also stated that winning is a motivator for him, and he was impressed with the play of second-year quarterback Jayden Daniels during his first stint in the pros. Samuel Sr. should fit opposite teammate Terry McLaurin nicely, adding another playmaker to deploy in Washington's dynamic offense.

Thursday, May 8, 7:54 PM

ESPN's Adam Schefter reports that Houston Texans second-round wide receiver Jayden Higgins has signed his four-year, $11.7 million rookie deal. The Texans chose the 22-year-old with the second pick of the second round (their first selection) in last month's draft -- the first of two wideouts taken, joining third-rounder Jaylin Noel. With the news that teammate Tank Dell (knee) will most likely miss the 2025 season due to a complex knee injury he suffered last December, Higgins should get an immediate opportunity to make an impact on the field. The Iowa state alum is a big-bodied receiver with burst, who should operate nicely across from incumbent starter Nico Collins. Fortunately for him, he needs only beat out Christian Kirk to operate as the team's second wideout, and Kirk typically runs from the slot, where Higgins doesn't project to line up.