The 49ers have made the first big trade of the offseason. After 6 seasons in San Francisco, WR Deebo Samuel is on his way to the Commanders. Samuel wasn’t just another wide receiver in San Francisco—he was a heartbeat, a game-changer, the guy who could turn a routine slant into a bruising 60-yard touchdown. For six seasons, he embodied the physical, do-it-all identity Kyle Shanahan loves in his offense. He wasn’t just a weapon; he was a statement.

So, when the trade news broke—Deebo to Washington—it didn’t feel like just another offseason transaction. It felt like the end of an era, one that saw the 49ers come heartbreakingly close to a Super Bowl win. And yet, there was no bitterness, no cryptic farewell post dripping in resentment. Just appreciation. Washington’s GM Adam Peters made the crucial grab. He was the one who drafted him in 2019 in the 2nd round (36th overall) when he was the 49ers’ vice president of player personnel.

But the receiver also received full support from HC Shanahan and GM John Lynch over the years. So, when he moved, he had to give them praise. On March 3, he shared a final message to his former coach and GM on X and wrote, “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 ❤️.” That’s sweet.

There’s another reason Deebo Samuel loved the HC-GM. They took care of him in 2020 and 2023, when he was injured. Also, when he told them about his desire to move to another team, they didn’t create any roadblock. In fact, they immediately agreed. That’s the reason Peters managed to sign him to the Commanders, that too in exchange for a fifth-round pick.

While both franchises are happy that the trade got completed without any issues, the analysts are weighing the pros and cons. The most biased part is about his fitness.

Deebo Samuel clears issues about his weight

The receiver came into the league at 6 feet, 214 pounds. But over the years, it fluctuated. The Athletic’s Matt Barrows confirmed an opinion from Tim Kawakami, who said that there were issues surrounding the receiver’s weight ever since he was drafted. He didn’t work out a few times because of pneumonia and injuries. But Deebo Samuel had a blunt take on these.

While his trade to the Commanders got confirmed, many analysts had doubts about his weight. But the athlete quashed all those rumors and replied, “225 to be exact…. Can’t wait till this season start. Fresh start new Bo🥶” It’s official. He’s on his way.

Fun fact: As the 49ers official website notes, the wide receiver’s father, Galen, gave him the nickname “Deebo” after the notorious bully from the 1995 movie Friday. All those analysts better watch what they’re saying. Just saying.

In 6 years, he played 81 games (73 starting), with 334 receptions for 4,792 receiving yards and 22 TDs. His “wideback” dual threat skills would add some serious firepower to 2024 ROTY Jayden Daniels‘ arsenal. Meanwhile, the Niners are biting a $31 million dead cap bullet for 2025. But all signs point that they’re focusing on getting their finances in shape for a mega 2026 with Brock Purdy‘s extension also looming. They’ve managed to move Deebo’s $17.5 million salary off their books and open up a lot of cap space for next year. So, both teams are in a happy place now.

Who knows, maybe that fifth round pick will translate into someone that fits like a glove with Mr. Irrelevant. Iykyk.