Deebo Samuel Traded to Commanders for Fifth-Round Pick

SANTA CLARA, Calif. — The San Francisco 49ers have traded wide receiver Deebo Samuel to the Washington Commanders in exchange for a fifth-round pick, sources confirmed to ESPN on Saturday. The deal is contingent upon Samuel passing a physical and will not be processed until the NFL’s new league year begins on March 12.

The addition of Samuel, who turned 29 last month, provides Washington with another offensive weapon alongside Pro Bowl wide receiver Terry McLaurin and reigning Offensive Rookie of the Year Jayden Daniels. Samuel’s arrival comes as the Commanders aim to bolster their scoring capabilities after reaching the NFC Championship Game last season, where they were defeated by the Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles.

Last season, Samuel recorded 51 receptions for 670 yards and three touchdowns. His production, however, marked a decline compared to his previous performance levels. Located in an evolving offensive landscape, the Commanders hope Samuel can recapture his dynamic skill set that earned him All-Pro honors in 2021.

General manager Adam Peters, who previously worked with the 49ers, is familiar with Samuel’s talents, having seen him firsthand since he was selected 36th overall in the 2019 NFL Draft. Samuel’s career totals stand at 334 receptions for 4,792 yards and 22 touchdowns, alongside 1,143 rushing yards.

While the trade allows the Commanders to take on Samuel’s remaining contract, worth $21.7 million for the 2025 season, it also signifies a noteworthy chapter for San Francisco. The franchise will absorb a $31.5 million dead cap hit as a result of this transaction, underscoring the ongoing transition in their receiving corps.

Samuel’s six-year tenure with the 49ers has been marked by both success and controversy. His breakout year in 2021 saw him accumulating 1,770 scrimmage yards and 14 touchdowns, nearly leading the team to a Super Bowl appearance. However, following a contract dispute and a perceived drop in production, Samuel publicly requested a trade during the 2024 offseason, a request that the 49ers acknowledged but did not immediately fulfill.

The trade marks the culmination of growing tensions between Samuel and the 49ers. Throughout the 2024 season, he grappled with injuries and expressed frustration over his declining role during games. “It was a hard conversation to have with Kyle [Shanahan] because of the relationship that we have,” Samuel told reporters after the season. “I have to do what’s best. I’m more than thankful for the Niners giving me the opportunity of a lifetime, but now I think it’s best that we find another team.”

With Samuel’s departure, questions linger for the 49ers regarding their wide receiver depth. The team’s current roster includes players recovering from injuries, while others enter free agency. General manager John Lynch acknowledged the need for change, stating, “Time happens, and he asked for that [trade].”

As the March 12 deadline approaches, both the Commanders and the 49ers will look to make adjustments in their strategies following this significant move in the offseason.