BALTIMORE — Former professional running back Obafemi Ayanbadejo urged the Baltimore Ravens to sign wide receiver Deebo Samuel in NFL free agency on July 5, 2026. Ayanbadejo won a Super Bowl with the Ravens in 2000.

Ayanbadejo presented his views on the "Baltimore Collective" program, where he spoke with hosts Bobby Trosset and Cole Jackson. He emphasized Samuel's versatility, stating, "He's a guy that's so unique. Like, there's not a lot of Deebo's out there. There's so many different things that he can do. He's kind of a Swiss Army knife."

Samuel, who is 30 years old as of July 2026, has played for the San Francisco 49ers and the Washington Commanders. In 2025, while with the Washington Commanders, he averaged 30.1 yards per kickoff return. He also returned a kickoff 69 yards for a touchdown against the Las Vegas Raiders on September 21, 2025.

During the 2024 NFL season, Samuel scored a touchdown on a jet sweep against the New York Jets. He also recorded a gain on a screen pass against the Dallas Cowboys during the 2025 NFL season. Throughout his career, Samuel averaged 5.6 yards per rushing attempt.

The Ravens' current roster includes rookie wide receivers Ja'Kobi Lane and Elijah Sarratt, and running backs Justice Hill and Adam Randall. Randall was selected in the fifth round of the 2026 NFL Draft. Additionally, Ravens wide receiver Zay Flowers recorded over 1,000 receiving yards in both the 2024 and 2025 seasons.