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The San Francisco 49ers have agreed to trade wide receiver Deebo Samuel to the Washington Commanders in exchange for a fifth-round pick. espn.com

This trade will become official on March 12, 2025, when the new league year begins. hogshaven.com

Samuel, 29, had previously requested a trade in February, expressing gratitude for his time with the 49ers but indicating a desire to move on. nypost.com

In the 2024 season, he recorded 51 receptions for 670 yards and three touchdowns, along with 42 rushes for 136 yards and one touchdown. nfl.com

Over his six-year career with San Francisco, Samuel amassed nearly 4,800 receiving yards, over 1,100 rushing yards, and 42 total touchdowns. hogshaven.com

Financially, the 49ers will incur a $31.55 million dead-money salary cap charge as a result of the trade. sfchronicle.com The Commanders will assume the remaining $17.5 million on Samuel’s contract for the 2025 season. ninersnation.com It remains uncertain whether Washington plans to extend Samuel’s contract beyond 2025. hogshaven.com

In Washington, Samuel will join a receiving corps that includes two-time Pro Bowl wideout Terry McLaurin and will work with quarterback Jayden Daniels, the AP Offensive Rookie of the Year. nypost.com This acquisition aims to bolster the Commanders’ offense for the upcoming season.

Deebo Samuel and Jayden Daniels could make an intriguing duo for the Washington Commanders’ offense. Here’s how their styles complement each other:

1. Jayden Daniels’ Strengths:

• Dual-Threat Ability: Daniels’ mobility forces defenses to account for both his legs and arm, opening up creative play designs.
• Deep Ball Accuracy: He excelled in college at hitting explosive plays, which could benefit Samuel in yards-after-catch (YAC) opportunities.
• Improvisation: His ability to extend plays outside the pocket pairs well with a receiver like Samuel, who thrives on broken plays.

2. Deebo Samuel’s Strengths:

• Elite YAC Ability: Samuel is one of the best in the NFL at turning short passes into big gains, making him an ideal target for quick throws and screens.
• Versatility: Can line up as a traditional wideout, in the backfield, or even in motion, which fits well with a young QB who benefits from easy reads.
• Toughness & Physicality: Daniels isn’t a pocket-only passer—he plays physically, and Samuel’s aggressive playing style aligns with that mentality.

3. Potential Concerns:

• Offensive Line Protection: If Washington struggles to protect Daniels, it could limit his ability to find Samuel on deeper routes.
• Injury History: Both players take hits due to their play styles, so durability could be a factor.
• Downfield Fit: Samuel is more of a short-to-intermediate threat, while Daniels likes throwing deep—McLaurin may be a better fit for deep shots.

Overall Fit:

Samuel gives Daniels a reliable, dynamic playmaker who can take pressure off a young QB. If Washington’s offensive scheme utilizes Samuel’s versatility properly, he could serve as Daniels’ safety blanket, especially in RPOs and quick-game concepts. If Daniels’ deep passing is the focus, McLaurin may be the primary deep threat while Samuel works underneath.