Commanders Acquire Deebo Samuel from 49ers Ahead of New Season

The San Francisco 49ers have struck a deal to send star wide receiver Deebo Samuel to the Washington Commanders in exchange for a fifth-round draft pick, sources revealed to ESPN’s Adam Schefter on Saturday night. As with any offseason trade, this agreement won’t be finalized until the new league year commences on March 12. In this transaction, Washington will assume the remainder of Samuel’s contract, including his full $17.55 million salary for the 2025 season, insiders informed Schefter.

During the week-long negotiations for Samuel, the idea of including defensive tackle Jonathan Allen in the trade was considered, as reported by ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler later on Saturday. However, Allen, who has a $16.4 million salary, ultimately remained with the Commanders.

For the Commanders, this acquisition adds a formidable target for quarterback Jayden Daniels, acquiring a former All-Pro receiver. This move marks the end of Samuel’s sometimes rewarding yet tumultuous six-year period with the 49ers.

San Francisco will face a $31,550,012 impact of dead money on this year’s salary cap. Samuel, with one remaining contract year, will count $17.5 million against Washington’s salary cap. The future prospects of extending his contract with the Commanders remain open.

Drafted in the second round of the 2019 NFL draft, Samuel quickly became a key player for coach Kyle Shanahan, who effectively utilized Samuel’s diverse skills by positioning him in various roles on the field. In his initial six seasons, Samuel accumulated 4,792 receiving yards and 1,143 rushing yards. Over the past four years, he’s added 958 rushing yards and 17 touchdowns paired with 244 catches totaling 3,599 yards and 18 touchdowns.

Samuel dominated during the 2021 season, practically carrying the 49ers’ offense to the brink of a Super Bowl appearance. He amassed 1,770 yards from scrimmage and scored 14 touchdowns before the team fell short in the NFC Championship Game against the Los Angeles Rams.

After his impressive All-Pro year, Samuel requested a trade when he and the 49ers couldn’t settle their contract differences. San Francisco considered offers for Samuel during the 2022 NFL draft but didn’t find one satisfactory, ultimately securing Samuel with a three-year, $71.5 million extension.

Despite his past brilliance, Samuel’s performance dipped over the last three seasons, averaging 56 receptions for 731.3 receiving yards and four touchdowns, along with 40 carries for 197.7 yards and three touchdowns.

Samuel made his intentions for another trade known publicly, disclosing to Schefter during Super Bowl Sunday his aspiration to leave. 49ers General Manager John Lynch affirmed at the scouting combine that they would honor his trade request.

Samuel joins the Commanders, a team already familiar with his abilities. Commanders General Manager Adam Peters was formerly an assistant GM in San Francisco when Samuel was drafted. Peters departed the 49ers after last season to take his current position in Washington.