A New Beginning for Deebo Samuel
Eric Williams, NFL Reporter, INDIANAPOLIS — Just three days after San Francisco 49ers General Manager John Lynch confirmed that he had granted Deebo Samuel permission to seek a trade, the dynamic wide receiver has found a new home with the Washington Commanders. The trade, announced in a flurry of reports, sees the 49ers receiving a fifth-round pick in return for the 29-year-old playmaker. This comes after Samuel had a difficult 2024 season, where he managed only 51 receptions for 670 receiving yards and three touchdowns in 15 games. These were his worst full-season numbers in six years of professional football. Samuel, who still has one year left on his $71.55 million deal, is scheduled to earn $17.55 million in 2025, a sum the Commanders will reportedly cover in full.
Samuel’s Impact on the Commanders
The Washington Commanders have bolstered their receiving corps with the acquisition of Deebo Samuel, pairing him with their No. 1 receiver, Terry McLaurin. This move adds another explosive weapon to a Washington offense that lacked dynamic playmaking on the perimeter last season. Commanders GM Adam Peters, who was with the 49ers when they drafted Samuel in the second round of the 2019 draft, has a deep understanding of the South Carolina product’s unique skills. Additionally, Washington offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury, who faced Samuel twice a year when he was the head coach of the Arizona Cardinals, and Commanders run game coordinator Anthony Lynn, a former 49ers assistant, are well-versed in how to integrate Samuel effectively into the offense. The Commanders ranked 18th in the NFL with 1,954 yards after catch in 2024, while Samuel has amassed 1,469 yards after catch over the past three seasons, placing him ninth in the league.
The Financial Implications for Both Teams
The trade holds significant financial implications for both the 49ers and the Commanders. San Francisco restructured Samuel’s deal last September, leading to a $31.55 million dead money hit for the 49ers. However, they avoid paying Samuel a $15.4 million option bonus he was due on March 22. Meanwhile, Washington is currently No. 3 in the NFL in salary cap space with a projected $78 million available. The trade will become official when the new league year begins on March 12. This move provides the 49ers with the financial flexibility to negotiate a potential contract extension for quarterback Brock Purdy, which could pay him north of $50 million annually. Samuel became more expendable when the 49ers signed Brandon Aiyuk to a four-year, $120 million deal as their WR1 last offseason. Aiyuk, who suffered a season-ending ACL injury in Week 7 and is working through rehab, is also rumored to be available on the trade market.
The 49ers’ Roster Rebuild
John Lynch’s decision to grant Samuel permission to seek a trade is part of a broader strategy to rejuvenate the 49ers’ roster. The team missed the postseason for the first time since 2020, and Lynch is keen to infuse the lineup with younger talent in 2025. In the upcoming draft, the 49ers are projected to have four picks in the top 100 and 11 picks overall. Lynch acknowledged the need to recalibrate the roster, stating, "At some point you have to reset, or at least recalibrate. You can’t keep pressing the pedal. I think there’s some good that comes out of it. I think we’re the oldest team in football. We tried to make a run at it last year, but I think it’s good to constantly get younger. We’re excited to add more youth to a great core of players we already have." This strategic shift aligns with the 49ers’ long-term vision of building a sustainable and competitive team.
The Commanders’ Offense Gets a Boost
The addition of Deebo Samuel to the Washington Commanders’ roster is a significant move that could significantly enhance their offensive capabilities. Samuel’s unique combination of speed, agility, and playmaking ability will complement the skills of Terry McLaurin, creating a formidable receiving duo. The Commanders’ offensive coordinator, Kliff Kingsbury, and run game coordinator, Anthony Lynn, are well-versed in Samuel’s style of play, which should facilitate a smooth integration into the team’s offensive schemes. With Samuel’s proven ability to create yards after the catch, the Commanders’ offense, which ranked 18th in yards after catch last season, is poised to become more dynamic and explosive. This move positions the Commanders as a stronger contender in the NFC and provides them with a versatile weapon that can turn the tide in key moments.
A Turning Point for Both Teams
The trade of Deebo Samuel from the San Francisco 49ers to the Washington Commanders marks a turning point for both franchises. For the 49ers, it represents a significant step in their efforts to rebuild and rejuvenate the roster, focusing on younger talent and financial flexibility. For the Commanders, it signifies an investment in a proven playmaker who can elevate their offense and provide the explosive playmaking needed to compete at a higher level. The move reflects the dynamic nature of the NFL, where player movement and strategic decisions can reshape the landscape of the league. As the new league year begins, both teams will be closely watched to see how this trade impacts their respective seasons and long-term trajectories.
