Trade revisited: 49ers lost the Deebo Samuel deal, says Bleacher Report

Bleacher Report's Kristopher Knox recently revisited the NFL's biggest offseason trades and free-agent signings, regrading each move with the 2025 season on the horizon. Among them was the San Francisco 49ers' decision to trade wide receiver Deebo Samuel to the Washington Commanders in exchange for a fifth-round draft pick—used to select running back Jordan James.

Samuel's production has declined since his breakout 2021 season, when he totaled 1,405 receiving yards and earned a lucrative contract extension the following offseason. He hasn't surpassed the 900-yard mark in any season since.

However, Samuel's versatility as both a runner and receiver still makes him one of the league's most unique offensive weapons.

"While the 29-year-old had a down season in 2024, his upside as a multi-faceted runner and receiver makes the move a win for both Washington and second-year quarterback Jayden Daniels," Knox wrote.

Despite Samuel's diminished numbers, Knox believes the Commanders got the better end of the deal. While the 49ers only netted a Day 3 draft pick, the trade did contribute to freeing up future spending—enough to secure some foundational pieces.

"While the 49ers ate a $31 million dead-cap hit to trade Samuel, they made a clean financial break—he had void years running through 2029," Knox explained. "This helped give general manager John Lynch a clear path extending both tight end George Kittle and quarterback Brock Purdy during the offseason.

"The Commanders, meanwhile, got a versatile offensive weapon who should complement Kliff Kingsbury's offense. After a contract restructuring, Samuel will carry a cap hit of just $5.2 million this season."

Knox gave Washington an "A" grade for the move, while the 49ers received a more modest "C+."

Quarterback Brock Purdy recently spoke about Samuel's departure, revealing just how much the receiver meant to him on and off the field.

"It sucks, dude. He's my boy. I love Deebo," Purdy shared.

He added, "In games, we fed off each other's energy and building each other up. It was awesome, and over the last couple of years, same thing. So, we created just a great relationship. He's my brother."

With Samuel now in Washington and Brandon Aiyuk still recovering from ACL and MCL injuries, the 49ers are expected to start Jauan Jennings and Ricky Pearsall at wide receiver in Week 1. Whether the offense can maintain its explosiveness and creativity without Samuel remains one of the biggest questions heading into the 2025 season.