What’s not so shocking is the fact that Deebo requested this trade. I know, crazy right? This move has left others stunned throughout the NFL, as the San Francisco 49ers have agreed to trade their standout wide receiver Deebo Samuel to the Washington Commanders in exchange for a fifth-round pick, sources confirmed to NFL’s Ian Rapoport and ESPN’s Adam Schefter on Saturday night.
While the trade cannot officially be processed until the new league year begins on March 12, the deal marks a dramatic shift for both franchises. The Commanders, led by their new general manager Adam Peters, have made a bold move to bolster their offense by acquiring the versatile playmaker. Meanwhile, the 49ers will absorb a significant $31.55 million dead money hit against their salary cap, a steep price to pay for the end of Samuel’s six-year tenure in San Francisco.
Commanders’ Big Gamble
For Washington, the addition of Samuel is a massive coup. The dynamic receiver, who was selected in the second round of the 2019 NFL Draft by San Francisco, was an instant star and a key component of the 49ers’ offense under coach Kyle Shanahan. The Commanders are hoping Samuel’s versatility can complement the already potent offensive arsenal, which includes Pro Bowl wideout Terry McLaurin and rising quarterback Jayden Daniels, the 2024 Offensive Rookie of the Year.
Samuel is known for his ability to impact the game in multiple ways. Over the past four seasons, he’s been a dual-threat, rushing for 958 yards and 17 touchdowns while also catching 244 passes for 3,599 yards and 18 touchdowns. His 2021 season was particularly remarkable, as he amassed 1,770 scrimmage yards and 14 total touchdowns, nearly carrying the 49ers to the Super Bowl.
With the Commanders’ offense ranking fifth in scoring and seventh in total yards last season, Samuel’s presence should add another dimension, particularly in the short-to-intermediate passing game, an area where he excels. Washington’s offensive scheme could benefit from his exceptional after-the-catch ability; last season, the Commanders averaged just 5.1 yards after the catch, ranking 21st in the league. Samuel, however, averages a remarkable 9.0 yards after the catch for his career, and his skills could help elevate Washington’s attack to new heights. He’s another scoop from us, the Commanders are also eyeing the situation with Tee Higgins in Cincinnati!
49ers’ Bitter Goodbye
The move to trade Samuel also signals the end of what had been a rocky but highly productive relationship between the wideout and the 49ers. After a dominant 2021 season, Samuel’s career took a different turn. He became embroiled in a contract dispute with the team, leading to a trade request ahead of the 2022 NFL Draft. Despite rumors swirling, the 49ers didn’t part with him, eventually securing a three-year, $71.5 million extension. However, Samuel has never quite returned to his 2021 form.
Injuries plagued Samuel over the past two seasons. In 2024, he finished with career lows of 806 scrimmage yards and four touchdowns, hampered by calf, wrist, oblique, and rib issues. His rushing production also dropped dramatically, with his yards per carry plummeting from 6.2 in 2021 to just 3.2 last season.
Tensions between Samuel and the team also became more apparent in 2024. The wide receiver’s frustration boiled over during a November win against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, when he had a confrontation with kicker Jake Moody after a series of missed field goals. This was followed by a tweet in December in which Samuel expressed frustration about his lack of touches. Despite expressing confidence in his future with the 49ers after the season’s end, Samuel made another trade request shortly thereafter, signaling that his time in San Francisco had run its course.
The trade marks a new chapter for both Samuel and the 49ers. General manager John Lynch acknowledged the difficult nature of the decision, recognizing Samuel’s immense talent but confirming that it was time for the two sides to part ways.
“We’ve had a great relationship, and Deebo’s a great player,” Lynch said. “But sometimes time happens, and the relationship runs its course. We respect Deebo, but we’re ready to move forward.”
What’s Next for the 49ers?
Now, the 49ers must address the void left by Samuel’s departure. With several key questions surrounding the wide receiver room, San Francisco’s front office faces a critical offseason. Brandon Aiyuk, coming off a torn ACL and MCL, is a question mark for the future, while Jauan Jennings, the team’s most consistent wideout in 2023, is entering the final year of his contract. Rookie Ricky Pearsall showed serious potential late last season but is still unproven.
The 49ers now face the challenge of finding a new offensive weapon to complement quarterback Brock Purdy and the dynamic running back duo of Christian McCaffrey and Elijah Mitchell. Without a doubt, this trade will leave a lasting impact on the team’s roster construction for years to come.
Commanders’ Bold Vision
For Washington, this trade reflects a shift in their vision under new leadership. With Adam Peters, formerly of the 49ers, and offensive coordinator Anthony Lynn—who coached the 49ers’ running backs in 2022-23—the Commanders clearly know Samuel’s value and have a plan to maximize his skill set. By acquiring Samuel, they not only gain a dynamic playmaker but also send a message to the NFC East that they’re serious about competing.
Washington has set its sights on contending sooner rather than later. With quarterback Jayden Daniels entering his second year after a dazzling rookie campaign, and now with Deebo Samuel in the fold, the Commanders are poised to make some noise in the coming seasons.
Final Thoughts
As the trade becomes official in March, Deebo Samuel will have a fresh start with the Washington Commanders, leaving behind a complex legacy with the 49ers. While the trade may have been a tough pill for both sides to swallow, the move provides both teams with an opportunity to reset and pursue their respective goals. For Samuel, it marks the beginning of a new chapter, and for the 49ers, a chance to reinvent their offense and find the next player who can make a difference in their pursuit of a Super Bowl title.