Newly acquired wide receiver Deebo Samuel believes he has one intangible that could help the Washington Commanders get to the next level: "dawg mentality."
"I was excited, for sure," Samuel said Thursday. "They've already proven they can win, they went to the NFC Championship (Game) last year. I'm just coming to add my little dawg mentality and just contribute to the offense in any aspect they need me to."
The Commanders acquired Samuel from the San Francisco 49ers earlier in March for a fifth-round pick after he requested a trade. Despite his request, the 29-year-old said parting ways with the franchise that drafted him was hard.
"It was tougher than what people think," Samuel told reporters. "One of the hardest things was walking in the office and talking to (49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan) about this just because the relationship we've built over time."
Samuel added that the Commanders' recent success made the team an attractive destination.
"Being in San Francisco, I like winners," Samuel said. "They went to the NFC championship. I've been knowing (general manager) Adam Peters for a while and what's so crazy is (it's) kind of close to home. ... Some of my family lives in Baltimore. They got a good team, for sure, and they were just standing out."
Samuel participated in two Super Bowls and earned one Pro Bowl nod during his 49ers tenure. His best season came in 2021 when he put up 1,770 yards from scrimmage with 1,405 coming as a receiver. His 18.2 yards per reception also led the NFL that year.
The Commanders' new wideout will give quarterback Jayden Daniels heavy star power as he joins two-time Pro Bowler Terry McLaurin in the receiver room.
Samuel ended last season with 51 catches for 670 yards and three receiving scores.
