Deebo Samuel, the dynamic wide receiver formerly with the San Francisco 49ers and a standout from South Carolina, has been traded to the Washington Commanders in return for a fifth-round NFL draft pick. However, the trade won’t be official until the new league year begins on March 12. This move follows Samuel’s trade request made after last season, which was confirmed just last week.
Over the course of six seasons with the 49ers, Samuel appeared in 81 regular season games, amassing 334 receptions for 4,792 yards and 22 touchdowns. Last season alone, he posted 51 receptions for 670 yards and three touchdowns, along with 42 rush attempts for 136 yards and one score.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 1, 2025
Reflecting on the decision, Samuel told ESPN earlier this month,
“It was a hard conversation to have with Kyle [Shanahan] because of the relationship that we have. But I have to do what’s best. I’m more than thankful for the Niners giving me the opportunity of a lifetime, but now I think it’s best that we find another team.”
Samuel was one of the most talented wide receivers to ever play at Williams-Brice Stadium for the South Carolina Gamecocks. In his college career, he recorded an impressive 148 catches for 2,076 yards and 28 touchdowns—including 16 receiving, seven rushing, four on kickoff returns, and one fumble recovery—and even threw a touchdown pass.
