The San Francisco 49ers have made their first big move of the NFL offseason, reportedly agreeing to trade wide receiver Deebo Samuel to the Washington Commanders in exchange for a fifth-round pick. While the trade won’t be official until the new league year begins on March 12, and pending a physical, it’s already sending shockwaves through the league.
But why would the 49ers part ways with such a dynamic playmaker? Let’s break it down.
1. Cap Relief: Freeing Up Future Funds
One of the biggest reasons behind this move is money. The 49ers have several key players who will need contract extensions soon, including quarterback Brock Purdy. With an already expensive roster, keeping Deebo Samuel’s contract on the books became a financial strain. By trading him, San Francisco shifts the entire burden of his 2025 salary onto Washington, giving them much-needed cap flexibility.
This move allows the 49ers to reinvest in other areas while avoiding an overly expensive wide receiver room. Instead of holding onto an aging contract that might not fit into their long-term financial plans, they opted for a clean break now rather than letting it become a lingering issue.
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— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 1, 2025
The #49ers are trading star WR Deebo Samuel to the #Commanders for draft pick compensation, sources say.
Samuel, due $21.7M this year, now heads to join former SF exec Adam Peters and play with QB Jayden Daniels, who gets another weapon. pic.twitter.com/h9Ku5U6uX1
2. Wide Receiver Redundancy: Aiyuk’s Emergence & Young Talent
Another major factor? The 49ers already have a very similar receiver in Brandon Aiyuk. Both Deebo Samuel and Aiyuk are big-play threats, and keeping two highly paid wideouts didn’t make sense for the team’s financial outlook. If San Francisco had to choose between the two, it seems they prioritized Aiyuk’s long-term value over Samuel’s.
Additionally, the team used a first-round pick last year on Ricky Pearsall, signaling their commitment to developing younger talent at the position. By moving Samuel, the 49ers open up more opportunities for their younger receivers to step into bigger roles alongside Aiyuk and George Kittle.
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Also Read: NFL Fans Are Destroying The Dallas Cowboys After Deebo Samuel Blockbuster Trade
3. Getting Value Instead Of Losing Him For Nothing
Had the 49ers kept Samuel for the 2025 season, they likely wouldn’t have re-signed him when his contract expired. That means they risked losing him for nothing in free agency. Instead, they proactively traded him while they could still get something in return- albeit just a fifth-round pick.
With this move, the 49ers now hold 11 picks in the 2025 NFL Draft, including four compensatory selections. This gives them the flexibility to add depth or even package picks for a bigger move in the draft. While a fifth-rounder might not seem like much for a former All-Pro, it’s better than letting him walk for free.
What Does This Mean For Washington Commanders?
For the Commanders, this trade signals a push to bolster their offense around newly drafted quarterback Jayden Daniels. Pairing Samuel with star receiver Terry McLaurin, running back Brian Robinson Jr., and veteran tight end Zach Ertz gives Washington an exciting array of weapons. If Samuel can return to his 2021 All-Pro form- when he racked up 1,770 yards from scrimmage and 14 total touchdowns- this could be a game-changing addition for the Commanders.
The Commanders’ fifth-rounder going to San Francisco for Deebo Samuel is a 2025 pick, per @AlbertBreer. #49ers #FTTB pic.twitter.com/HgklzVvruy
— 49ermedia (@49ermedia) March 2, 2025
While Deebo Samuel’s production dipped in 2024 (51 catches, 670 yards, three touchdowns), a fresh start in Washington could help him reignite his explosiveness. The Commanders are betting on just that.
Ultimately, this trade is about strategic roster management for San Francisco. They clear cap space, prioritize Aiyuk and their younger receivers, and avoid losing Samuel for nothing. Meanwhile, Washington takes a calculated risk, hoping Samuel can elevate their offense and provide a spark for their young quarterback.
Whether this move benefits both teams in the long run remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: the NFL offseason is already off to an intriguing start.
