INDIANAPOLIS — The Deebo Samuel trade marks a significant shift for both the Washington Commanders and the San Francisco 49ers. Just three days after San Francisco’s general manager, John Lynch, allowed Samuel to seek a trade, the talented wide receiver has found a new home with the Commanders.
Reports indicate that the 49ers will receive a fifth-round pick in exchange for the 29-year-old athlete. Samuel, who faced challenges during the 2024 season with only 51 catches for 670 receiving yards and three touchdowns in 15 games, was eager for a fresh start. These statistics represent the lowest performance of his six-year career over a complete season.
Samuel’s current contract, worth $71.55 million, has one year remaining, with a salary of $17.55 million for 2025 that the Commanders are set to absorb. Joining forces with standout receiver Terry McLaurin, Samuel brings additional firepower to a Washington offense that struggled to create big plays on the outside last season. Commanders GM Adam Peters, who was part of the 49ers’ team that drafted Samuel in the second round of the 2019 draft, is well-acquainted with the South Carolina native’s versatile skill set.
Washington’s offensive coordinator, Kliff Kingsbury, has experience facing Samuel twice a year during his tenure as head coach of the Arizona Cardinals. Additionally, Commanders run game coordinator Anthony Lynn previously worked with the 49ers. This familiarity should help them effectively integrate Samuel into their offensive strategies. In 2024, the Commanders recorded 1,954 yards after the catch, ranking 18th in the league. In contrast, Samuel’s 1,469 yards after the catch over the past three seasons place him ninth in the NFL.
With Samuel’s addition, the Commanders, who reached the NFC Championship Game last season, bolster their position as serious contenders for the title.
The 49ers restructured Samuel’s contract last September, resulting in a $31.55 million dead money hit. However, they will avoid a $15.4 million option bonus due on March 22. Meanwhile, Washington ranks third in the NFL with a projected $78 million in salary cap space. The trade will be finalized when the new league year begins on March 12.
This trade frees up financial resources for the 49ers as they pursue a contract extension for quarterback Brock Purdy, which could exceed $50 million annually. Samuel’s departure became feasible after San Francisco signed Brandon Ayiuk to a four-year, $120 million deal to serve as their primary receiver. The team also secured No. 3 receiver Jauan Jennings with a two-year, $15.4 million contract and selected Ricky Pearsall in the first round of last year’s draft.
“At some point, you have to reset or at least recalibrate,” Lynch stated regarding his team, which missed the playoffs for the first time since 2020. “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.”
