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Deebo Samuel Trades to Washington Commanders: A Major Move in the NFL Offseason

The San Francisco 49ers have finalized a significant trade, marking the first major transaction of the NFL offseason. Reports from ESPN indicate that All-Pro wide receiver Deebo Samuel is set to join the Washington Commanders in 2025.

In return for Samuel, the 49ers will receive a fifth-round draft pick, according to sources. This trade follows confirmation earlier this week by 49ers general manager John Lynch, who stated that Samuel had requested a change of scenery. Lynch noted that the organization intends to respect and fulfill this request.

“He’s asked for a fresh start, and I think we’re going to honor that,” Lynch remarked during a press conference.

Samuel’s Career and Impact

Deebo Samuel, selected by the 49ers in the second round of the 2019 NFL Draft, has spent the first six seasons of his career with the team. He attained First-team All-Pro status and was selected to the Pro Bowl after an outstanding 2021 season in which he accumulated a career-high 1,405 receiving yards. Following that impressive year, Samuel secured a three-year contract extension with the 49ers.

Unfortunately, his performance dipped in the current season. Samuel missed two games and struggled to maintain his previous level of production, finishing the year with 670 receiving yards and 136 rushing yards. This decline coincided with the 49ers’ disappointing 6-11 season.

Conversations and Decisions

Prior to the trade, Samuel had candid discussions with 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan and general manager John Lynch regarding his desire to depart the team. Lynch recalled, “Then, he came up and talked with me, and we had a very honest and frank conversation. He told us his reasons. I asked him to sit on it, sleep on it, and we’d do the same. We did, and we told him he could go talk to people.”

As with all trades executed now, this agreement will be finalized only after the start of the new league year on March 12. Per reports, Washington will assume the entirety of Samuel’s current contract, covering his full salary of $17.55 million for the upcoming 2025 season.

Looking Ahead

This trade marks a pivotal moment for both Samuel and the 49ers as they both prepare for a new chapter in their respective journeys. Samuel’s move to Washington provides him with a fresh opportunity to revive his career, while the 49ers will look to bolster their roster with the added draft pick.

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