Commanders release veteran wide receiver after signing Curtis Samuel

Washington makes room for new addition with roster move

Terry McLaurin now the clear-cut No. 1 wide receiver in Washington

The Washington Commanders have released veteran wide receiver DeSean Jackson, the team announced Tuesday. The move comes after the Commanders signed Curtis Samuel to a three-year, $34.5 million contract last week.

Jackson, 35, was entering the final year of his contract with the Commanders. He had 20 receptions for 454 yards and three touchdowns in 12 games last season.

The Commanders are now left with a young and inexperienced group of wide receivers behind McLaurin. Samuel has played in just 17 games over the past two seasons due to injuries. Jahan Dotson, the Commanders' first-round pick in the 2022 NFL draft, is still recovering from a hamstring injury.

Jackson's release is a sign that the Commanders are moving on from the veteran receiver and are now focused on the future. McLaurin is now the clear-cut No. 1 wide receiver in Washington, and the Commanders will be looking for Samuel and Dotson to step up and fill the void left by Jackson's departure.

Jackson has been a productive receiver throughout his career, but he has also been injury-prone. He has missed at least four games in each of the past five seasons. The Commanders are hoping that Samuel and Dotson can stay healthy and provide McLaurin with some much-needed support in the passing game.