In a surprising turn of events, Deebo Samuel recently departed from the San Francisco 49ers, opting for a concise farewell rather than a lengthy goodbye message. Instead of the traditional heartfelt note often seen from athletes transitioning to new teams, Samuel chose to share a video montage on Instagram showcasing his most cherished moments with the team. Alongside the video, he expressed his gratitude with a brief caption, stating, “Appreciate yall for everything!!!!!”
The San Francisco 49ers made headlines on Saturday during the NFL Scouting Combine by agreeing to trade Samuel to the Washington Commanders in exchange for a fifth-round draft pick. This move comes after Samuel publicly announced his trade request during Super Bowl week, signaling a significant shift in his career. At just 29 years old, Samuel has been recognized as one of the most versatile wide receivers in the NFL, often displaying the unique ability to function as a power running back. However, the past season marked a downturn in his performance, as he recorded only 806 yards from scrimmage, a stark contrast to his breakout season in 2021 where he amassed an impressive 1,770 yards.
Samuel's farewell video montage captured pivotal moments of his journey with the 49ers. It began with the emotional moment he received the call from general manager John Lynch, informing him he was selected as the No. 36 pick in the 2019 draft. The montage included thrilling highlights showcasing his remarkable touchdowns, tackle-breaking plays, and celebrations following two NFC Championship victories. Despite his stellar performances, the 49ers faced disappointment in both Super Bowl appearances against the Kansas City Chiefs.
As part of the trade, the Washington Commanders are taking on Samuel’s entire salary of $17.55 million for the 2025 season, which is his final year before free agency. This investment reflects the Commanders’ belief in Samuel's potential, especially considering that he has battled injuries throughout his career. Commanders general manager Adam Peters, who was instrumental in drafting Samuel, has high hopes that the wide receiver can regain his form and contribute significantly to the team’s offense.
With the addition of Samuel, the Commanders are enhancing their offensive capabilities as they aim to advance further in the upcoming seasons. The team experienced a playoff run in 2024, reaching the NFC Championship game with rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels leading the charge and connecting with star receiver Terry McLaurin. Samuel’s unique skill set will provide the Commanders with another dynamic weapon, potentially helping them to take the next step in their pursuit of success in the NFL.
