49ers Agree to Trade Deebo Samuel to Commanders

The San Francisco 49ers have reportedly made a blockbuster move, agreeing to trade All-Pro wide receiver Deebo Samuel to the Washington Commanders for the 2025 season. According to ESPN, the 49ers are set to receive a fifth-round draft pick in exchange for Samuel. Yes, you read that right—a fifth-round pick for one of the league's most dynamic players. Bold move, 49ers, bold move.

Deebo's desire for a "fresh start" was confirmed earlier this week by 49ers general manager John Lynch at the NFL Scouting Combine. "He’s asked for a fresh start, and I think we’re going to honor that," Lynch stated. If you’re wondering, Samuel had initiated trade talks with both head coach Kyle Shanahan and Lynch, citing personal reasons for his decision.

Samuel, drafted by the 49ers in the second round of the 2019 NFL Draft, has been a cornerstone of the team's offense. His breakout came during the 2021 season when he racked up a career-high 1,405 receiving yards, earning first-team All-Pro honors and a Pro Bowl selection. However, 2024 was a different story. Plagued by injuries and a struggling 49ers team that finished 6-11, Samuel’s production dipped significantly, managing just 670 receiving yards and 136 rushing yards.

The trade, which cannot be finalized until March 12 when the new league year begins, marks the likely end of Samuel's tenure in San Francisco. But the 49ers' wide receiver woes might not stop there. Lynch acknowledged that teams are also inquiring about Brandon Aiyuk, another key player in their lineup. Aiyuk missed most of the 2024 season due to a torn ACL but remains an attractive option for other teams. "Yeah, that typically happens with really good players," Lynch commented, hinting that the 49ers are open to listening to offers.

If Aiyuk does leave, the 49ers will need to rely on their remaining wideouts, including Jauan Jennings, Ricky Pearsall, and Jacob Cowing—a solid group, but hardly the star power of Samuel and Aiyuk combined.

For now, all eyes are on March 12, when the deal becomes official and the Commanders welcome Samuel to their roster. The question remains: Will this trade rejuvenate Deebo's career, or will the 49ers end up regretting parting ways with one of their brightest stars?