Deebo Samuel has been traded to the Washington Commanders in 2025, concluding his six-year stint with the San Francisco 49ers, where he was drafted in the second round of the 2019 NFL Draft.

Samuel joins a promising Commanders team that reached the NFC Championship Game last season, featuring Offensive Rookie of the Year quarterback Jayden Daniels and other key players.

In recent seasons, injuries have hampered Samuel's performance; he missed four games in 2022 and faced limitations in 2023 and 2024, resulting in a career-low of 51 catches and 670 yards last season.

Despite these challenges, Samuel had a standout 2021 season, achieving career highs with 77 receptions, 1,405 receiving yards, and 14 total touchdowns, which earned him Pro Bowl and First Team All-Pro honors.

Now at 29 years old, Samuel is recognized as one of the league's most versatile wide receivers, known for his dual-threat capabilities as both a pass catcher and a runner.

Recently, San Francisco 49ers tight end George Kittle defended Samuel on social media after a video surfaced showing him running at half-speed during the Commanders' minicamp.

Kittle clarified that Samuel's pace was due to a 'group install' practice and urged critics to refrain from negative comments, stating, 'Knock it off.'

The trade to Washington follows a disappointing 6-11 season for the 49ers, where Samuel's contributions were not enough to secure a playoff berth.

Kittle, who was selected by the 49ers in the fifth round of the 2017 NFL Draft, has been a significant contributor alongside Samuel, helping the team achieve four playoff appearances and two Super Bowl runs from 2019 to 2023.

As the 49ers look to rebound in 2025, Kittle is expected to remain a primary target for quarterback Brock Purdy.