The Kansas City Chiefs and Las Vegas Raiders are among the teams now being linked to veteran wide receiver Deebo Samuel as the 2026 offseason moves closer to training camp. While no official offers have surfaced, Samuel remains one of the biggest names still sitting in free agency after his lone season with the Washington Commanders.
With both teams facing different questions at wide receiver, the idea of adding a proven veteran like Samuel has started gaining traction. Kansas City’s situation revolves around uncertainty surrounding Rashee Rice, while Las Vegas continues searching for more depth behind Brock Bowers and its young receiver room. Samuel may not be the same explosive All-Pro he once was in San Francisco, but his versatility still makes him one of the more intriguing names available.
Which teams are interested in Deebo Samuel?
The Chiefs have emerged as one of the more logical landing spots, largely because of the uncertainty surrounding Rashee Rice. Rice recently served 30 days in jail after violating probation, and while he has already been released, questions remain over whether the NFL will issue further discipline. On top of that, Rice is still recovering from a knee procedure, putting his Week 1 status in doubt.
That uncertainty has led ESPN analyst Aaron Schatz to suggest Kansas City should strongly consider Samuel. “The Rashee Rice situation is fairly confusing for the Chiefs,” Schatz wrote. “Andy Reid says Rice will be healthy enough for training camp, but is he going to face a suspension from the league for off-field conduct? Enter veteran Samuel.”
Samuel’s fit in Kansas City is easy to understand. Last season in Washington, he recorded 72 catches for 727 yards and five touchdowns, while also adding 75 rushing yards and another score on the ground. That kind of hybrid production would give Andy Reid another versatile weapon to move around the field.
The Raiders have also been heavily discussed as a realistic destination. CBS Sports analyst JP Acosta recently explained why Las Vegas makes sense, pointing to the team’s lack of proven depth at wide receiver. Beyond rookie Jack Bech and veteran Jalen Nailor, the Raiders still lack an established difference-maker outside of Brock Bowers.
Acosta believes Samuel’s past connection with head coach Klint Kubiak from their time together in San Francisco makes the fit even cleaner. “I still don’t think Deebo Samuel is the same player he was in his prime,” Acosta said. “But I do think he can still provide some really nice moments as a runner with the ball in his hands.” That familiarity could make the transition smoother if Las Vegas decides to make the call.
Contract details and financial outlook
Deebo Samuel earned $18.2 million during his 2025 season with Washington and has made over $82.7 million across his NFL career. At 30 years old, he likely won’t command a massive long-term deal, which makes him an attractive short-term option for teams looking for immediate production.
For Kansas City, signing Samuel would provide insurance if Rice misses time and would strengthen an already dangerous offense.
For Las Vegas, it could give Kubiak a proven veteran who understands his offensive principles and can help stabilize a still-developing receiving group.
As training camp gets closer, Deebo Samuel remains one of the biggest names left on the market — and both the Chiefs and Raiders may have good reasons to make a move.
