The NFL Scouting Combine begins this weekend in Indianapolis, and this is also one of the busiest times on the NFL calendar. All 32 teams are preparing for the start of the new league year, which is quickly approaching. Once that happens, free agency will commence. The NFL Draft happens at the end of April. Now is the moment to start planning for 2025. In light of those intentions coming to fruition, the San Francisco 49ers and Washington Commanders completed a transaction that has set the NFL on edge. The Niners traded wide receiver Deebo Samuel to Washington for the Commanders’ 2025 fifth-round pick.
“A new Washington combo,” said ESPN’s Adam Schefter on X (previously Twitter).
If you had told a Niners fan a few years ago that this was what the team would get for Samuel, they would have laughed at you. However, the veteran receiver is coming off his poorest season since 2020, when he suffered injuries throughout the season. He is not a traditional number one wideout, but the Commanders don’t require one. Terry McLaurin can fill that role. So, how does acquiring Samuel affect the Washington attack, which is led by reigning Offensive Rookie of the Year Jayden Daniels as quarterback?
Adding Deebo. Samuel can make the Commanders’ offense even more devastating.
Daniels and McLaurin have developed an effective quarterback/top receiver combination. They were a lot of fun to watch in 2024, and they contributed significantly to offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury’s attack getting off to a fast start in the trio’s first season together. The unit’s turnaround was amazing, helping them return to the NFC Championship for the first time since 1992. As the NFC’s sixth seed, the Commanders avenged a Week 1 loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers by defeating them 23-20 in the Wild Card round. Then, a stunning 45-31 victory over the top-seeded Detroit Lions demonstrated how deadly they can be.
However, the NFC Championship game against the Philadelphia Eagles revealed some of their shortcomings. Most significantly, the passing game lacks weapons other than McLaurin. The need for more weapons was obvious. Despite his flaws, Samuel is worth the risk for the price of a fifth round. If he can remain healthy, don’t be surprised if he erupts during Kingsbury’s attack. Samuel approaches the game with a chip on his shoulder, always seeking to prove his detractors wrong. For all of these reasons, the Commanders benefit from this transaction. It also improves their prospects for 2025, and possibly beyond.
Grade: B+
49ers continue to retool their team in an effort to return to the postseason in 2025.
Last season was a nightmare for San Francisco, as many analysts and fans predicted another deep playoff run. After nearly losing to the Kansas City Chiefs in Super Bowl 58, many predicted that they would make another Super Bowl appearance. If they had, it may have been another rematch with Kansas City. However, due to a high number of injuries and regression from key players, the Niners were unable to return to the postseason.
Moving Samuel now is a nice idea, although the return appears to be light. Yes, Samuel has a large cap hit (almost $16 million, with a dead cap hit of more than $31 million if he were released). Yes, he has experienced multiple injuries. However, if he is healthy and surrounded by the appropriate talent and guidance, it is evident what he can accomplish. He demonstrated this on multiple times during his stay in the Bay Area. However, Ricky Pearsall and Jacob Cowing, who were drafted by the organization last offseason, may already be on the roster as replacements. Will they select another receiver in this year’s draft? It would not be surprising to see their latest pick.
Grade: C.
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