SANTA CLARA, CA – DECEMBER 12: Deebo Samuel Sr. #1 of the San Francisco 49ers reacts during an NFL football game against the Los Angeles Rams at Levi’s Stadium on December 12, 2024 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Cooper Neill/Getty Images)
After much speculation, the San Francisco 49ers traded WR Deebo Samuel to the Washington Commanders for a 5th-round pick. This trade has a lot of impact on many players and the Commanders organization as a whole. Here is my full breakdown:
Why it works?
LANDOVER, MD – JANUARY 01: A general view of the Washington Commanders logo on the stadium concourse before the game between the Washington Commanders and the Cleveland Browns at FedExField on January 1, 2023 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images)
Samuel is an explosive playmaker who should thrive in OC Kliff Kinsgbury’s short passing offense. The key to his success is him remaining on the field.
Jayden Daniels needed another experienced receiver:
LANDOVER, MARYLAND – OCTOBER 06: Jayden Daniels #5 of the Washington Commanders rushes against the Cleveland Browns at Northwest Stadium on October 06, 2024 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)
This move sets Jayden Daniels up for success.
Defenses will need to account for Samuel, helping other playmakers:
CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA – NOVEMBER 21: Terry McLaurin #17 of the Washington Football Team catches a pass for a first down over the defense of Donte Jackson #26 of the Carolina Panthers in the first quarter of the game at Bank of America Stadium on November 21, 2021 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images)
This should allow either Terry McLaurin or Dyami Brown to see single-coverage downfield, making the Commanders offense more dangerous than ever before.
Washington gave up less for Samuel than the Dallas Cowboys did for Jonathan Mingo (4th rounder) when they acquired him from the Panthers:
SPARTANBURG, SOUTH CAROLINA – JULY 27: Jonathan Mingo #15 of the Carolina Panthers receives a pass during Carolina Panthers Training Camp at Wofford College on July 27, 2023 in Spartanburg, South Carolina. (Photo by Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images)
When comparing it to the Mingo deal, the Commanders stole Deebo from the 49ers.
The price was not extreme
INGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA – JANUARY 30: Deebo Samuel #19 of the San Francisco 49ers dives to score a touchdown in the second quarter against Jalen Ramsey #5 of the Los Angeles Rams in the NFC Championship Game at SoFi Stadium on January 30, 2022 in Inglewood, California. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
Giving up a late pick, as well as picking up Samuel’s $17 million contract, is no worse than fair market value for a player of Samuel’s caliber.
