The offseason is loaded with changes, and the latest news surrounds Deebo Samuel Sr.’s time in San Francisco nearing its end. The trade talks regarding Samuel’s future are already picking up steam, and it seems like the wide receiver might be relocating soon.
Fox NFL Insider Names Teams Interested in WR Deebo Samuel Sr.
According to Jordan Schultz, two teams are showing interest in the Niners’ wide receiver: the Washington Commanders and the Houston Texans. In addition, teams like the Pittsburgh Steelers and Denver Broncos have checked in, but Washington and Houston are emerging as the most aggressive suitors for San Francisco’s $71.5 million playmaker.
“Sources: The #Commanders and #Texans have had significant interest in trading for #49ers WR Deebo Samuel, with talks progressing in recent days, sources tell @NFLonFOX Other teams, including the Steelers and Broncos, have also checked in, but Houston and Washington are believed to be the most aggressive,” Schultz wrote via X.
Sources: The #Commanders and #Texans have had significant interest in trading for #49ers WR Deebo Samuel, with talks progressing in recent days, sources tell @NFLonFOX.
Other teams, including the Steelers and Broncos, have also checked in, but Houston and Washington are… pic.twitter.com/JJihz1Soj6
— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) February 28, 2025
So, will we see Samuel in new colors before his 30th birthday; more importantly, how much of a difference-maker can he still be?
Samuel isn’t just another wide receiver. When healthy, he’s a Swiss Army knife of an offensive weapon — lining up outside, in the slot, or even in the backfield. His All-Pro 2021 season (1,405 receiving yards, 14 total TDs) proved he can be one of the league’s most intimidating threats.
However, it gets tricky when factoring in his injuries and inconsistent production. Last season, he managed just 51 catches and three touchdowns in 15 games. While his ability after the catch is still elite — finishing second in YAC per reception in 2024 among WRs with 50+ receptions (8.3 yards) — the 49ers appear ready to move on.
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Meanwhile, the contract details matter more than anything else for any team looking to make a move. A trade before June 1 would leave San Francisco with $30+ million in dead money while the acquiring team gets Samuel at a 2025 cap hit of just $4.26 million.
The Commanders are indeed an intriguing option. They have Jayden Daniels entering Year 2, which means Washington needs more playmakers to help their young QB thrive. Samuel’s ability to turn short passes into big gains could be exactly what Daniels needs in an offense looking for stability.
Meanwhile, the Texans are already a playoff team but have serious concerns at WR. Tank Dell’s injury and Stefon Diggs’ durability (and pending free agency) leave C.J. Stroud needing more reliable targets. Samuel would give Houston another dynamic playmaker, making them even more dangerous in the AFC.
Several teams could make sense, but the Broncos, Steelers, and Dallas Cowboys stand out. Denver needs another weapon for Bo Nix’s development, while Pittsburgh might want a complement to George Pickens. And Dallas could use another weapon for Dak Prescott to take some pressure off CeeDee Lamb.
The bottom line is that Samuel’s future is in the air, but he isn’t without his options. If a deal happens soon, expect a major shake-up in the NFL’s WR landscape.