After six seasons in a 49ers uniform, Deebo Samuel is getting a change of scenery.

The 49ers agreed to flip their longtime offensive weapon on Saturday, sending Samuel to the Commanders, according to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport. 

The writing has been on the wall for Samuel in San Francisco for some time — this isn’t the first NFL offseason that he’s been the subject of trade rumors. But now, the 49ers have officially made the move, parting ways with a wide receiver that was around for both of their 2019 and 2023 runs to the Super Bowl.

Here’s what to know about the Samuel trade, including the details of the deal, why the 49ers were ready to trade Samuel and a look at the receiver’s career numbers.

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Deebo Samuel trade details

49ers receive:

Commanders receive:

In the trade, the 49ers are parting ways with Samuel, one of the mainstays of their rosters under Kyle Shanahan. San Francisco’s head coach deployed Samuel as both a receiving and rushing weapon, one aspect of a talented offense that has often ranked among the NFL’s best over recent years.

As Samuel lands in Washington, he’ll give Jayden Daniels a new weapon to work with. Terry McLaurin has led the Commanders’ receiving depth chart for the last handful of seasons, but Washington badly needed a legitimate No. 2 weapon in the receiving game this past season.

San Francisco received a fifth-round pick in the deal, also shedding Samuel’s $21.7 million 2025 salary.

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Why did the 49ers trade Deebo Samuel?

The answer is pretty simple: Samuel himself asked for a trade early in the offseason. According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, Samuel asked San Francisco to move him during his exit meeting for the 2024 season. The team then granted the wide receiver and his agent, Tory Dandy, permission to find a trade partner, which wound up being the Commanders.

“It was a hard conversation to have with Kyle (Shanahan) because of the relationship that we have,” Samuel said at the time of his trade request, per Schefter. “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.”

Following a disappointing 2024 season in which the 49ers went 6-11, Samuel didn’t post the kind of outstanding numbers he’s usually reliable for. San Francisco’s offense struggled, and there were a few intense moments surrounding Samuel, including his since-deleted tweet in December that said, “Not struggling at all, just not getting the ball!”

There have also been plenty of trade rumors surrounding Samuel in San Francisco in recent years, including around the time of the 2024 NFL Draft. But a deal never came together, leaving Samuel in a 49ers uniform through last season.

San Francisco also has plenty of weapons to replace Samuel’s production. Brandon Aiyuk, when he’s back to full health, will step into the No. 1 receiver role for Brock Purdy, while Jauan Jennings and Ricky Pearsall should see increased roles. With George Kittle at tight end, plus a talented backfield led by Christian McCaffrey when healthy, the 49ers shouldn’t hurt too much from Samuel departing.

Between the trade request, some dramatic moments and trade rumors for Samuel in San Francisco over the years, a disappointing 2024 season and the 49ers’ depth at skill positions, the timing of the trade certainly makes sense. Now, Samuel, who’s scheduled to become a free agent after the 2025 season, will take his talents to Washington D.C.

Samuel commented on X following the move. 

49ers know where I stand with them and it’s nothing but love. Love John and Kyle to death no bad blood no way shape or form. They know I’m more than appreciative of everything they done for me as a player and a man nothing but love ❤️.

— Deebo (@19problemz) March 3, 2025

Deebo Samuel stats

Based on the production he’s capable of, Samuel had a down year in 2024, as did most of the 49ers’ offense.

Samuel scored four total touchdowns, his lowest mark since he appeared in just seven games of the 2020 season. His 51 receptions were also his lowest since 2020.

Here’s a look at Samuel’s numbers over his six-year NFL career: