Deebo Samuel is a real sleeper for 2025. (Geoff Burke-Imagn Images)
This week, Terry McLaurin has gotten so fed up with contract extension negotiations that he’s reportedly asked for a trade; Chicago Bears QB Caleb Williams says he’s immune to pressure; and the Bengals signed Denver’s 2019 first round pick, TE Noah Fant.
Deebo Samuel Poised to Bounce Back
When we last checked in on the Washington Commanders, they were continuing their big season, having pulled off two huge playoff wins and hoping to knock off another giant in the NFC Championship.
As we know, that sure as hell didn’t happen as the Eagles steamrolled into the Super Bowl. But Washington again looks like a contender, finishing fifth in scoring last year and hoping to again ride its offense in 2025.
But as we alluded to in the intro above, a big piece of that unit is currently pissed off and if McLaurin does in fact force a trade, it will open up a big hole. Commander QB Jayden Daniels didn’t mince words about what this could mean to the team.
So if Washington really will be without McLaurin this season, it creates a fantastic opportunity for Deebo Samuel, already considered a great bounce back candidate.
Traded to Washington this offseason, Samuel could find himself as the team’s WR1 if McLaurin is dealt or the “hold-in” continues. A speedy outside receiver, Samuel managed to suit up in 15 games again last season, but was tremendously banged up for several of them, and it clearly hindered his performance.
He only hauled in just 670 yards receiving, a real reduction from 2023’s bounce back effort and miles from his huge 2021 season. Samuel enters 2025 outside the top 100 rankings, but he could prove a major Fantasy steal depending on how the McLaurin situation plays out.
And for what it’s worth, Samuel seems to have alternated good seasons with bad ones, and he’s due for a good one in 2025 — especially with his contract expiring this year. This highly competitive player will obviously be driven to make a great first impression in his Washington debut, so we’re not counting him out in the least; in fact, he has sleeper written all over him.
New England’s WR Situation
After missing the playoffs for three straight years, the last two of which saw them only win four games, the New England Patriots are poised to improve greatly this season. So, no, barring disaster they likely won’t be in position to draft LSU QB Garrett Nussmeier next year (currently +380 to go first overall in 2026 NFL Draft as per FanDuel), but the Pats could very well make a run at .500.
Hell, if things break right, New England could even sneak into the playoffs. But it’s going to take a major turnaround from the offense – especially the passing game – to make this happen. The Pats had more yards than only one team last year, and despite adding Stefon Diggs, Mack Hollins, Kyle Williams (third round pick) and Efton Chism III (UDFA), wide receiver looks like the weak link on this team.
While the Pats could keep as many as seven receivers on the roster, there’s a chance just five break camp: the first three mentioned above, plus holdovers DeMario Douglas and Kayshon Boutte.
Former Bill Diggs missed over half the 2024 season with an ACL injury, really punching a hole in his production. And while he was brought in to finally give the Pats the WR1 they have desperately needed for some time, there’s a chance that he may have to begin his New England tenure on the PUP, although recent reports suggest he will suit up in Week One. At this stage, consider Diggs a low-end WR4 for Fantasy purposes.
Hollins has bounced around in his career, but was solid for the Bills last year, parlaying 50 targets into a career-best five TDs. He’s recently come off the PUP and has a great chance to establish himself this season, but is still barely a top 125 receiver for Fantasy purposes.
Rookie Williams has quickly established himself as one of QB Drake Maye’s favourite targets, but he’s not much more than a deep league streaming option. Still, Williams has upside so is worth tracking.
Although many consider Douglas to be the team’s top receiving option after Diggs, we prefer Williams. Still, Douglas made strides in his second season and is likely a top 75 receiver for Fantasy purposes.
Boutte made even more progress last year, suiting up for far more action and rewarding the team with 25 first down catches. But as barely a top 100 receiver, he could be trade bait if the Pats opt to go big and make a play for McLaurin.
RotoRob Tune of the Day
Psychedelic legends Iron Butterfly came out of San Diego. Here’s “Soul Experience,” another track from their 1993 album Light and Heavy: The Best of Iron Butterfly.