“Not struggling at all just not getting the ball!!!!!!!” Deebo Samuels had tweeted in December last year, alleging that his co-wide receiver Jauan Jennings was being favored by Brock Purdy more during big games. While the 29-year-old soon deleted the update, and followed it up with a damage control-esque, “Just cause I voice my opinions don’t mean I’m hating on any of my teammates!! Be Fr,” the damage was, in fact, already done. A tension filled-up locker room, intensified by Samuels’ struggles, was only indicative of the fact that something was to come. And fast. Our guess turned out to be right, after all…

On March 1, reports stated that the veteran had been traded to the Washington Commanders for a fifth-round pick in the 2025 NFL draft after the team’s dilapidated 6-11 season. While the trade will only become official upon the start of the new league year on March 12, giving up on a six-year team veteran could mean only three things in this particular case: Shortfalls, a failure to see eye to eye, and a hefty price the 49ers will have to pay.

Notably, the writing was already on the wall during the players’ exit meetings after the season, when Samuel reportedly asked the 49ers to trade him. However, tensions had started to arise long before that. As per The San Francisco Standard, many officials agreed that the WR’s Super Bowl LVIII performance (where the team lost 24-22) was exactly when the front office started rethinking his stances—despite HC Kyle Shanahan making sure Samuel got ample opportunities, the latter ultimately caught just 3 passes for 33 yards, ran it 3 times for 8 yards, and was a complete non-factor.

In the past three seasons, he’s averaged 56 receptions for 731.3 receiving yards and four touchdowns with 40 carries for 197.7 yards and three touchdowns. And in the 2024 season, that number stands at 51 catches for 670 yards and three touchdowns in addition to 42 carries for 136 yards and one score. Unfortunately, the total yardage last season was also the lowest figure of his career. Explains why the team was even ready to trade him to an NFC rival, risking meeting him during games. However, there’s also a slight financial setback that the team will have to endure before they can see the sun set on the Deebo deal.

As per Sportrac, with this move, “#Commanders (will) Acquire 1 yr, $17.5M (non-guaranteed).” However, Kyle Shanahan’s “#49ers Dead Cap (reaches to) $31,020,600.”

In addition, “the Niners will lose $15.1M of cap space per this trade, which won’t become official until after the March 12th league year start.” So, this means the 49ers will receive a double blow in their cap space–one with a $31 million dead cap and two with losing $15.1 million cap space right now. Notably, this comes amid San Francisco being the NFL’s top spending team in 2024—they reportedly  $334.5 million in player, while the salary cap was set at $255.5 million per team.

Having said that, it might not look like a win for Kyle Shanahan and the team. But take a closer look—it’s actually a smart move! How? ESPN’s Seth Walder graded the trade, giving San Francisco a ‘B+’ and Washington a ‘B.’ Why? Because the 49ers were likely going to release Deebo Samuel, anyway. Instead, they pulled a rabbit out of the hat.

San Francisco has already poured resources into Brandon Aiyuk and Ricky Pearsall. They might even invest more in Jauan Jennings. Keeping Deebo Samuel on a three-year, $71.5 million extension wasn’t realistic. So, rather than letting him walk for free, they made a move and got value in return. Smart business!

Nevertheless, the Commanders are optimistic about having Deebo Samuel on their team.

Deebo Samuel will be the second weapon for Washington!

New Commanders receiver Deebo Samuel has already bid goodbye to the Bay Area on his social media post. Sharing a video caption highlighting his time with the Niners, he wrote, “Appreciate y’all for everything!!!!!” Samuel joined Kyle Shanahan’s team in his 2019 NFL Draft.

But he decided to exit as his seasons saw a rollercoaster ride and the latest frustration with his role in the team offense. And now, Samuel is welcomed by the Commanders – the team who won the divisional round in the 2024 season after 33 years.

Now that Deebo Samuel has left Kyle Shanahan’s offense, the question is, what’s coming up next for the WR in his new home? So, Samuel will be inserted as the No. 2 receiver behind Terry McLaurin with his team. They will use him for the running game, as he is also a good blocker.

It automatically means Samuel’s versatility will come in handy for QB Jayden Daniels and the squad. That’s the reason the quarterback is “excited” for the WR. He also dropped a “Let’s go!” comment on the news of Samuel coming to his team. No doubt, all are excited for him this season.

So, let’s see how the new era for Deebo Samuel goes with the highly skilled Commanders!