Former South Carolina wide receiver Deebo Samuel was selected by the San Francisco 49ers in the 2019 NFL Draft. He played a key role in helping the team reach two Super Bowls, but they fell short against the Kansas City Chiefs in both the 2019 and 2023 seasons.
Samuel’s career has been a rollercoaster of highs and lows, often impacted by injuries. The former Gamecock had an outstanding start with the 49ers, but the past few seasons have been challenging for the star wide receiver. His best season came in 2021 when he racked up 1,405 yards and six touchdowns, both career highs.
Earlier this week, it was announced that the 49ers were trading Deebo Samuel, their 2019 draft pick, to the Washington Commanders. In return, the Niners will receive a fifth-round pick. The Commanders will also take on Samuel’s contract, which includes a $21.7 million salary for the 2025 season.
Samuel expressed his deep appreciation for the 49ers, their support over the years, and the passionate fanbase. Following the trade, he made sure to share his gratitude in a heartfelt tweet.
Samuel has an opportunity to make a strong impact with the Commanders, as the sixth-year wide receiver joins a team that reached the NFC Championship this season before falling to the eventual Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles.
Although primarily a wide receiver, Samuel has been a dynamic threat in the run game, a skill the Commanders will likely take advantage of. Throughout his career, he has amassed 1,143 rushing yards and 20 rushing touchdowns, along with 4,792 receiving yards and 22 receiving touchdowns.
49ers quarterback Brock Purdy is undoubtedly a top-tier talent, but Samuel will now be catching passes from Offensive Rookie of the Year Jayden Daniels. With a different skill set than Purdy, Daniels brings unique qualities that could complement Samuel’s playing style and open up new opportunities for him in Washington’s offense.
Although the trade came as a surprise to Samuel, he acknowledged in his tweet that he fully understood the reasoning behind it. He made it clear that there are no hard feelings toward the 49ers, the team that gave him his start in 2019.
