Why Deebo Samuel Was So Invaluable to the 49ers
Deebo Samuel was truly a unique weapon for the 49ers. In six seasons (2019-24), he registered 334 receptions for 4,792 yards and 22 touchdowns through the air to go along with 202 carries for 1,143 yards and 20 touchdowns on the ground. What made him so special was his versatility as a “wideback” – a receiver who could also excel as a running back. He became the only wide receiver in NFL history to register 20-or-more receiving touchdowns and 20-or-more rushing touchdowns in a career.
His peak came in 2021 when he earned Associated Press First-Team All Pro honors and his first Pro Bowl selection after registering career highs in receiving yards (1,405), rushing yards (365) and rushing touchdowns (eight). That season, he nearly carried the 49ers to a Super Bowl appearance.
Who the 49ers Picked to Replace Him
The 49ers have a multi-pronged approach to replacing Samuel:
Current roster options:
- Jauan Jennings is coming off his best NFL season, posting career highs in receptions (77), yards (975) and touchdowns (six)
- Ricky Pearsall, who was the No. 31 pick in last year’s draft and flashed potential when he racked up 18 receptions for 247 yards and a pair of scores over the final three weeks
- Brandon Aiyuk, though he’s recovering from a torn ACL/MCL injury
Draft replacement: The 49ers used the fifth-round pick they received from the Commanders to select Oregon RB Jordan James, though this was more about general roster building than direct replacement.
There’s also speculation about finding a similar player in the draft, with TCU’s Savion Williams being mentioned by NFL coaches as potentially similar to Samuel.
Background of the Trade
The trade was surprisingly simple: The 49ers agreed to send Deebo Samuel to the Washington Commanders in exchange for a fifth-round pick. As part of the trade, Washington took on the remainder of Samuel’s contract and paid his full $17.55 million salary for the 2025 season.
This wasn’t Samuel’s first trade request. He made his first trade request in 2022 during contract disputes, but the 49ers didn’t get an offer they liked and signed him to a three-year, $71.5 million extension. Samuel made public his latest trade request, telling reporters on Super Bowl Sunday of his desire to play elsewhere.
Why Did They Trade Him?
It wasn’t just about Brock Purdy’s contract, though that was a factor. Multiple reasons contributed:
Performance decline: Samuel struggled to regain his 2021 form, averaging 56 receptions for 731.3 receiving yards and four touchdowns with 40 carries for 197.7 yards and three touchdowns over the past three seasons. In 2024, he totaled just 51 receptions for 670 receiving yards and three scores in 15 games – his worst numbers over a full season.
Financial considerations: The move freed up cash as the 49ers negotiated a contract extension for quarterback Brock Purdy that could pay him north of $50 million annually. The 49ers ultimately signed Purdy to a 5-year, $265 million contract extension on May 16.
Team philosophy shift: Lynch told reporters that he’s working to create a younger roster in 2025, saying “At some point you have to reset, or at least recalibrate”.
Samuel wanted out: Samuel requested a trade in his season-ending meeting with head coach Kyle Shanahan, saying “I have to do what’s best. I’m more than thankful for the Niners giving me the opportunity of a lifetime, but now I think it’s best that we find another team”.
Is Washington a Good Fit?
Yes, it appears to be an excellent fit for several reasons:
Offensive system: Washington offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury faced Samuel twice a year when Kingsbury was head coach of the Arizona Cardinals, so they should know how to best use Samuel in the offense.
Weapons around him: Samuel joins a group that includes NFL All-Pro wide receiver Terry McLaurin and NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year Jayden Daniels at quarterback.
Contract motivation: The Commanders got Samuel to agree to a 1-year, $17.5 million contract for 2025, and he should be at his very best as he tries to secure one more massive payday.
Team success: Adding Samuel and Pro Bowl left offensive tackle Laremy Tunsil in trades has solidified the Commanders as Super Bowl contenders in 2025.
Who Won the Trade?
This appears to be a win-win situation:
For the Commanders: ESPN’s Kevin Patra gave Washington a B-plus grade for the trade. They get a motivated veteran receiver in a contract year to pair with their young quarterback and complement Terry McLaurin.
For the 49ers: The 49ers received a B grade for the trade. Getting Samuel’s money off the books is considered a win while adding a 2025 fifth-round pick to reset the roster and contract situations. The trade allowed them to extend Brock Purdy and shift toward a younger roster construction.
The trade represents a natural evolution for both teams – the Commanders get a proven veteran to help their Super Bowl push, while the 49ers get financial flexibility and a fresh start after a disappointing 6-11 season.
