Report: San Francisco 49ers to trade Deebo Samuel to Washington Commanders

The San Francisco 49ers are trading Deebo Samuel to the Washington Commanders, NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reported. Washington is sending a fifth-round pick back to San Francisco as part of the deal and will take on Samuel’s entire $17.55 million salary, ESPN’s Adam Schefter added.

Samuel’s future with the 49ers came into question this offseason after he requested a trade from the franchise. San Francisco general manager John Lynch said the team would honor that request and find a new home for him next season.

Samuel is preparing for the final season of his three-year, $71.5 million contract. It appears he’ll do so in Washington as Jayden Daniels receives a top weapon to go alongside Terry McLaurin.

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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

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 1, 2025

Rapoport previously mentioned the Commanders as a possible landing spot during coverage of the 2025 NFL Scouting Combine. The connection with Washington general manager Adam Peters was a key factor in that possibility.

“Another receiver who is expected to be on the move as well, Deebo Samuel with the San Francisco 49ers – also due $20-plus million,” Rapoport said. “He requested a trade, wants a new place. General manager John Lynch has said they’re going to honor that request. For sure, there is going to be interest in Deebo, as well despite the big salary. Still plenty left, not yet 30.

“Team to watch, of course, will be Washington Commanders. They have Adam Peters, the general manager there, former executive for the San Francisco 49ers. There’s several others, but that is one to watch, as well.”

Samuel became a Swiss Army Knife during his time in San Francisco under Kyle Shanahan, getting involved in both the running and passing games. In 2024, he started all 15 games in which he appeared, totaling 670 receiving yards and three touchdowns to go with 136 rushing yards and a touchdown on the ground.

Samuel’s biggest year of his career came in 2021 when he made his lone Pro Bowl appearance. That season, he totaled 1,405 yards and six touchdowns – averaging an NFL-leading 18.2 yards per reception – in addition to his 365 rushing yards and eight touchdowns on the ground.

In Washington, Samuel will look to bring a new dimension to Kliff Kingsbury’s offense. He’ll add a dynamic weapon opposite McLaurin, who emerged as Daniels’ go-to receiver as he won the NFL’s Offensive Rookie of the Year award. It also fills an important need for the Commanders as free agency looms next week.