Prior to the free agency period opening up, the San Francisco 49ers wasted no time in moving wide receiver Deebo Samuel to a plausible suitor. The Washington Commanders were happy to take that call for the disgruntled star in exchange for a fifth-round draft pick next month.
Jauan Jennings became the leading receiver in terms of receptions, targets, yards and scores. He accumulated a better stat line than Samuel, while 2024 rookies Ricky Pearsall and Jacob Cowing are poised to receive more reps on game days.
Samuel was an early second-round selection in the 2019 NFL Draft for the 49ers and turned into a star two years later by emerging as a true dual-threat weapon, one that resulted in his lone first-team All-Pro selection and a lucrative contract extension the following offseason.
Why would 49ers be smiling with Deebo Samuel leaving San Francisco?
General manager John Lynch gave fellow receiver Brandon Aiyuk a hefty new contract last year. Despite the unfortunate injury that immediately ended his 2024 season, there is still upside with Aiyuk as the feature No. 1 wideout for the 49ers.
Yes, Samuel is a dual threat who has scored 21 receiving touchdowns in the past four seasons. He also has 17 rushing scores to his credit as well.
San Francisco now has more reps available for quarterback Brock Purdy's targets with Samuel being traded. The ball-needy star took away from some of the focus and drive that the offense was suppose to execute on the field.
Now that Samuel is a Commander (almost too fitting), Jennings and tight end George Kittle can be the focus alongside Pearsall and Cowing. The 49ers also just added tight end Luke Farrell, formerly of the Jacksonville Jaguars, to a three-year deal.
Running back Christian McCaffrey is expected to return, while another 2024 rookie, Isaac Guerendo, wrapped up his first year nicely playing behind Jordan Mason.
The offense now can begin to regroup and/or retool if they want to replace Samuel. Turnover was expected within the 49ers roster following a disappointing 6-11 record and last place finish in the NFC West.
Why the Commanders might regret their new acquisition
Washington's quarterback, Jayden Daniels, not only performed well during the regular season, but he also thrived in the playoffs. Not many, if any, predicted the Commanders to be one win away from a Super Bowl during his rookie season.
In the last five years especially, we have seen first-round quarterbacks who took over the starting spot experience a sophomore slump. Some examples include Mac Jones and another former second-overall pick, C.J. Stroud.
Samuel may not have patience with a young quarterback as he appeared frustrated with Purdy at times, who is also not a veteran yet. Any regression in Daniels' performance on the field could irritate the new wideout.
Even if Samuel feels differently, right now, at least:
"I think this is one of the best possible fits for me, where I can go in and help a team. Honestly, when my agent asked me where I wanted to go, this was one of the teams at the top of my list. I started watching Jayden (Daniels) because of (Brandon) Aiyuk, that's like his best friend. We used to chill, watch LSU games, and I knew he was going to be a stud. I've got some connections already with the coaching staff."Deebo Samuel, former SF 49ers' receiver
The incumbent No. 1 target, wide receiver Terry McLaurin, could receive the most targets from Daniels since the two are already familiar with one another. Commanders tight end Zach Ertz re-signed for another year as he caught seven touchdowns in 2024.
If Samuel's ball-needy ways continue or grow in the NFC East, that could disrupt chemistry among the Commanders' offense. Furthermore, this trade will hurt Washington's growth and projections for next season if Samuel can't stay on the field.
We have seen him miss a number of games over the years, including last season. Samuel experienced a calf strain during the month of September that caused him to miss time off the field. He also left the Week 8 contest against the Dallas Cowboys due to a rib injury.
At Super Bowl LVIII against the Kansas City Chiefs, Samuel hurt his left hamstring while in route during a play. Less than 15 months before that, the star wideout was carted off the field with multiple lower body injuries during Week 14 of the 2022 NFL season.
According to DraftSharks.com's Fantasy Reporting, Samuel could be a liability for his new team given his extensive injury history. Thus, it's another reason why San Francisco may be feeling grateful to be off the hook with the former South Carolina Gamecock standout no longer on the team.
Plus, the fact the 49ers were willing to offload Samuel to an NFC contender for just a fifth-round pick suggests they feel he's past his prime.
The Commanders may find this out soon.