The 49ers didn’t waste any time satisfying Deebo Samuel’s request for a trade, reportedly agreeing on Saturday to send the former star receiver to the Washington Commanders for a fifth-round draft pick.
ESPN’s Adam Schefter was the first to report the agreement.
Wednesday during at the NFL scouting combine in Indianapolis, 49ers general manager John Lynch confirmed that the team had give the 29-year-old receiver permission to seek a trade. Samuel, who is scheduled to earn $21.7 million this season, joins an already formidable offense in Washington led by quarterback Jayden Daniels.
Some sort of move was anticipated since Samuel during the Super Bowl Samuel leaked the news to ESPN that he wanted to be traded from the 49ers. He said at the time he was “more than thankful” to the 49ers and coach Kyle Shanahan in particular for “giving him the opportunity of a lifetime.”
It’s likely a move that will benefit both Samuel and the 49ers. Samuel expressed his frustration about not getting the ball more in the 49ers offense. The 49ers are trying to resign quarterback Brock Purdy and also are looking at extensions for start tight end George Kittle and linebacker Fred Warner. The 49ers also have depth at wide receiver, with youngsters Jauan Jennings and Ricky Pearsall appearing for bigger roles along with Brandon Aiyuk, who is coming off a torn ACL.
Lynch addressed the issue at the combine this week, saying, “He’s asked for a fresh start and I think we’re going to honor that. I don’t like seeing great players leave and he is a great player. … He makes plays and he makes game-changing plays.”
Samuel was an All-Pro with the 49ers in 2021, producing 1,770 yards from scrimmage and scoring 14 touchdowns, and helped the 49ers reach the NFC championship game. He signed a three-year, $71.6 million extension following that season and has been unable to replicate that kind of production.
Samuel was hurt much of this season, finishing with 51 catches for 670 yards and three touchdowns.
Check back for more on this developing story.