ESPN proposed a Deebo Samuel trade to a playoff contender that actually makes sense for all parties involved.
Wide receiver Deebo Samuel's recent trade request didn't exactly come at the best of times for the San Francisco 49ers.
For starters, Samuel is coming off yet another down year in which he averaged just 44.7 receiving yards per game and 3.2 yards per rush attempt, both career-lows. On top of that, recent reports highlight how the Niners were upset Samuel was overweight during the 2024 campaign.
Both elements tank his offseason trade value.
Then, the financial ramifications of an imminent trade are problematic, especially after the receiver restructured his contract last year. Should San Francisco heed the request in the very near future, it'd incur over $31.5 million in dead money, according to Over the Cap, likely receiving no more than a late day-two draft pick in exchange.
Not worth it from the 49ers' perspective, which points at the probability of an outright release with a post-June 1 designation. Doing that would still incur over $10.7 in dead money for 2025, but that's much more manageable.
That said, the rumor mill continues to fly, and NFL insider Jordan Schultz has reported on multiple teams showing interest in the 2021 first-team All-Pro:
Sources: The #Commanders and #Texans have had significant interest in trading for #49ers WR Deebo Samuel, with talks progressing in recent days, sources tell @NFLonFOX.
— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) February 28, 2025
Other teams, including the Steelers and Broncos, have also checked in, but Houston and Washington are… pic.twitter.com/JJihz1Soj6
General manager John Lynch recently said the Niners would try to "honor" Samuel's request, although it's not yet clear whether that'll come via a trade or a release.
While there seem to be few reasons why a trade would be beneficial, ESPN's Ben Solak pointed out a scenario that might actually work for everyone involved.
ESPN: 49ers can trade Deebo Samuel to Commanders after June 1
Teams can trade players after June 1 and enjoy the same benefit as a release with a post-June 1 designation. The problem, though, is trades before that date can't have a post-June 1 designation like releases can, of which all teams get two per offseason.
Most squads typically have their rosters largely constructed by that point in the offseason following the opening waves of free agency and the NFL Draft.
But, as Solak pointed out, there are injuries. And teams may not always be satisfied with their wide receiver rooms, especially if they missed out on targets in free agency and/or the draft.
The optimal destination? The Washington Commanders, per Solak.
Here's the suggested trade, which would take place after June 1:
Solak adds the 2027 fifth-round selection can become a Round 4 pick if Samuel winds up staying on Washington's roster after his current deal expires in 2026, which would mean either an extension or a re-sign.
Of the fit, Solak wrote:
"The Commanders make the most sense of the cap-rich teams, as Samuel could fill a useful role in their screen and RPO games, working his way into the backfield in Kliff Kingsbury's more creative offensive sets.
The Commanders also see a good deal of zone coverage because of the danger Jayden Daniels presents as a runner. That plays into Samuel's strengths."
Washington gets a dynamic weapon at the cost of two day-three draft picks, which is a win on its front. Samuel, meanwhile, gets to play for a top NFC contender while staying on his existing contract, one that pays more than what he'd likely receive as a free agent if released outright, as Solak noted.
For San Francisco, it'd at least get something back in return for the receiver but without having to shell out a hefty amount of dead money, merely by waiting until after June 1.
That pretty much encompasses a win-win-win scenario.
Hat tip to 49ers Webzone for the find.