Who Should I Start? Tyler Lockett or Deebo Samuel

Friday, March 7, 1:35 PM

The Seattle Seahawks aren't closing the door on a potential reunion with veteran wide receiver Tyler Lockett, who they released for salary cap saving purposes this week. "Go out and see what's shaking (on the market), and we'll stay in touch," general manager John Schneider said he told Lockett. However, Schneider expects Lockett to draw significant interest on the free-agent market because he's a leader and "still a productive player." Seattle could be more inclined to re-sign Lockett if they end up trading DK Metcalf before the NFL draft in April. The 32-year-old Lockett was the odd-man out in the passing attack in 2024 behind Metcalf and second-year man Jaxon Smith-Njigba, who was the team's leading receiver. Lockett had just 49 catches for 600 yards and two TDs on 72 targets, but it's not impossible that he could bounce back in 2025 in a better situation.

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.