The San Francisco 49ers recently made waves throughout the football world when they traded former All-Pro and fan favorite Deebo Samuel Sr. to the Washington Commanders in exchange for a fifth-round pick in the upcoming NFL Draft. The star wide receiver played a key role in the 49ers’ run to the Super Bowl in both the 2019 and 2023 seasons, but they ultimately fell to Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs on both trips.
However, following a poor 2024 season, general manager John Lynch and the 49ers agreed to honor Samuel’s recent trade request, taking on a massive dead cap hit in the process. After a turbulent 2024 season, Samuel took to X to clarify his feelings about the 49ers organization.
Deebo Samuel Sr. Cemented His Legacy in San Francisco
Samuel’s time with the 49ers may have ended on a sour note, but fans will not soon forget his six strong years with the team.
The 49ers drafted Samuel out of South Carolina with the No. 36 pick in the second round of the 2019 NFL Draft. During his rookie season, it became clear he was one of the draft’s biggest steals. Across six years with the team, Samuel became one of the best playmakers in the entire league, standing out as a threat not only as a receiver but also as a rusher.
Samuel recorded 5,935 total yards from scrimmage during his tenure as the 49ers’ premiere playmaker. Samuel became the team’s utility knife, scoring 42 combined touchdowns during his time in the Bay Area, but an even more impressive stat was the nearly even split between touchdowns.
Twenty-two of his touchdowns were receiving, while 20 were rushing, further proving he was the go-to guy when coach Kyle Shanahan needed a big play or a score.
However, his move to Washington comes following arguably the worst season in his career, which included both a Pro Bowl and All-Pro selection in 2021. Samuel will now try to rejuvenate his career with reigning Offensive Rookie of the Year quarterback Jayden Daniels and the up-and-coming Commanders.
As Samuel begins to settle in the nation’s capital, he recently expressed his love for the organization with which he has spent his entire career to this point in hopes of clearing the air.
Samuel Says It Is All Love for the 49ers Organization
In a recent post to X, Samuel made his love for the organization that drafted him quite clear following the granting of his trade request.
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
“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,” Samuel said as a farewell note following his departure for Washington.
Samuel made it clear that he appreciated his time with the 49ers and expressed gratitude for his former GM and head coach.
Samuel did not mention the Commanders in this post but expressed his excitement to begin this new journey in an earlier post to X.
225 to be exact…. Can’t wait till this season start. Fresh start new Bo🥶 https://t.co/d7OBieGoFN
— Deebo (@19problemz) March 3, 2025
“Can’t wait till this season start. Fresh start new Bo,” Samuel said as he prepares for a bounce-back season with his new team.
What’s Next for Samuel?
On paper, Samuel fits very well into this dynamic Commanders offense, but the question of whether Samuel can go back to his elite form remains to be answered. However, one thing that is clear is Samuel has his eyes set on the future after an emotional ending to his tenure with the 49ers.
A dynamic big-play star like Samuel, with added motivation, could be scary for the league, but his ability at the age of 29 will make or break the remainder of his career as he will be in a contract year come 2025.
Samuel’s 2025 season could be the biggest for the former All-Pro yet. Can Samuel prove his worth and boost his value to the Commanders and any team looking to sign the pending free agent after this upcoming season, or will 2025 prove that the playmaker’s best days are indeed behind him?