Deebo Samuel Sr. was a key part of the San Francisco 49ers’ passing game since being drafted in the second round of the 2019 NFL Draft. Over six seasons with San Francisco, he totaled an impressive 42 touchdowns, but this year, he will be looking to find the end zone with the Washington Commanders.
For a Commanders team looking to build around young quarterback Jayden Daniels, acquiring Samuel was a bold move that immediately transformed their offense. The bigger question, however, is why he left the 49ers in the first place.
Why Did The 49ers Part Ways With Deebo Samuel Sr.?
The 49ers’ decision to part ways with Samuel was largely practical. After the 2024 season, he requested a trade, seeking a “fresh start” following injuries and a dip in production since his breakout All-Pro campaign in 2021. Interestingly, this was the second time he had requested a move, having done so previously in 2022.
Considering his sizable contract and the 49ers’ need to manage extensions for stars like Brock Purdy, Nick Bosa, and Christian McCaffrey, the trade made financial sense. San Francisco also had younger receivers ready to step up, including Ricky Pearsall, who was seen as part of the team’s long-term core.
Samuel’s trade request was granted on March 12, with Washington sending a fifth-round pick to the 49ers in exchange for one of the NFL’s most dynamic and versatile playmakers.
At the time, Samuel had one year remaining on his contract, carrying a 2025 cap hit of $15,869,012. Since the trade occurred before June 1, San Francisco absorbed $31,550,012 in dead money, while Washington ensured Samuel received the contract he wanted.
What Does Samuel Bring To Washington?
Samuel has always been more than just a wide receiver. He’s a strategic weapon who can line up outside, in the slot, or even in the backfield, keeping defenses guessing. That versatility is exactly what Commanders offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury loves to leverage.
Following the trade, Washington reworked Samuel’s contract to guarantee his salary and include performance incentives, signaling their confidence in him while providing strong motivation heading into a contract year. For 2025, he will earn a base salary of $1,570,000, a restructure bonus of $15,430,529, and a workout bonus of $125,000.
His incentives include:
Rushing Incentives
- 380 Rush Yards or 3 Rush TDs: $250,000
Receiving Yard Incentives (non-cumulative)
- 700: $250,000
- 800: $450,000
- 900: $650,000
Receptions Incentives (non-cumulative)
- 60: $250,000
- 70: $450,000
- 80: $650,000
Total TD Incentives (non-cumulative)
- 8: $250,000
- 9: $375,000
- 10: $500,000
- 11: $625,000
- 12: $750,000
Pro Bowl: $150,000
If he stays healthy, Samuel is on track to hit several of these bonuses. Through six games this season, he has already recorded 34 receptions for 315 yards and three touchdowns, while adding 45 rushing yards and a rushing touchdown.
Based on PFSN’s WR Impact Metric, Samuel is the 22nd-ranked receiver in the league. He has an impact score of 80.9 and is graded B-.
