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Over the weekend, the Commanders agreed to a deal with the San Francisco 49ers for WR Deebo Samuel. San Francisco is receiving a fifth-round pick in April’s upcoming NFL Draft as compensation. Samuel, a 2021 All-Pro, will get a new start for a team coming off an appearance in the NFC Championship game.
Entering the offseason, the Commanders knew they needed to upgrade the wide receiver room. Terry McLaurin is an excellent No. 1 option coming off a strong campaign (82 receptions, 1,096 yards, 13 TDs). After that, the depth chart falls significantly. Washington’s second-best pass catcher last year was 34-year-old TE Zach Ertz.
Daniels found success despite the lack of depth at the position. However, helping a young QB is a formula many teams have used successfully in the past. Look no further than the reigning Super Bowl champions — the Commanders’ division rival — Philadelphia Eagles as an example.
Samuel isn’t quite the same player he once was, but he also isn’t too far removed from being elite. Collectively, his skill set will be welcomed in Washington’s offense. OC Kliff Kingsbury loves to utilize screen passes in the quick game. Samuel has never been an elite route runner, but his ability to generate yardage after the catch has always been excellent. He’ll act as a change-of-pace to a Washington passing attack that loves to challenge defenses vertically.
Welcoming him to Washington will be a familiar face in GM Adam Peters. Peters was previously the assistant general manager for the 49ers before leaving to take the Commanders’ job last year. If anybody understands what Samuel can bring to the table it’s Peters. He was on the staff when San Francisco drafted the South Carolina wideout in 2019.
For the 49ers, the moves might not stop here. There have been rumblings dating back to the last offseason about a potential Brandon Aiyuk deal. If he’s made available, Aiyuk will have a robust market even coming off a down year. GM John Lynch has one of the most expensive rosters in the league, and we’re still awaiting QB Brock Purdy’s extension. Don’t be shocked if he makes another trade to shed even more salary.
