Wide receiver Deebo Samuel will join the Washington Commanders of quarterback Jayden Daniels when the new NFL season begins in 2025. The 29-year-old, who was recently traded from the San Francisco 49ers, made his feelings clear following his departure from head coach Kyle Shanahan‘s team.
Changing teams is often a decision backed by enthusiasm, especially if it means leaving behind a disappointing season, such as the 49ers‘ 2024 NFL campaign, which didn’t come close to making the playoffs. Given his background with San Francisco, a change of scenery was to be expected for Samuel.
Samuel had requested a trade in 2022, but subsequently signed a contract extension with the 49ers. Now, the opportunity to change franchises has arisen, and the wide receiver, who previously made it clear that there are no hard feelings between him and Shanahan, is satisfied to play for the Commanders alongside QB Daniels.
Samuel’s admission on playing for the Commanders
“I think this is one of the best possible fits for me, where I can go in and help a team. Honestly, when my agent asked me where I wanted to go, this was one of the teams at the top of my list. I’ve got some connections already with the coaching staff. Definitely ready to work with Terry (McLaurin) for sure,” Samuel admitted in an interview with The Players Tribune about his new job in Washington.
Samuel had a few words for Commanders QB Jayden Daniels
“I started watching Jayden (Daniels) because of (Brandon) Aiyuk, that’s like his best friend. We used to chill, watch LSU games, and I knew he was going to be a stud. I’m just ready to match the energy and get to it. I got a feeling this season is about to be one of them ones,” Samuel said about QB Daniels.
Details of Samuel’s move to the Commanders
The trade of Deebo Samuel from the 49ers to the Commanders was agreed to on March 1, 2025, with the San Francisco franchise receiving a fifth-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft in exchange. Due to league rules, the trade will not become official until March 12, 2025.