Deebo Samuel requested a trade from the San Francisco 49ers in January during the team's exit meetings following a disappointing six-win 2024 season. Two months later, he got his wish. The 49ers sent him to the Washington Commanders in exchange for a fifth-round draft pick.
Speaking to Commanders reporters in an introductory video conference on Thursday, Samuel admitted that his decision to seek a new opportunity was "tougher than most people think" due to his strong relationships with coaches and teammates in Santa Clara. He revealed that he gave his agent a list of five preferred destinations—one of which was Washington.
Samuel explained his choice: "One, being in San Francisco, I like winners. I like to win. I'm not one of your biggest losers. They (the Commanders) went to the NFC Championship."
Samuel noted his familiarity with Commanders general manager Adam Peters, who previously served as the 49ers' assistant general manager. He also wanted to be closer to family on the East Coast.
The veteran wide receiver is coming off one of his least productive seasons, finishing 2024 with just 806 scrimmage yards and four total touchdowns. He has yet to replicate the dominant numbers of his 2021 campaign when he racked up 1,770 scrimmage yards and 14 touchdowns. While some believe his best years might be behind him, Samuel is determined to rejuvenate his career in Washington.
"What drew me here is, like I said, is it's kind of close to home, really good team, really good quarterback," Samuel said. "[WR] Terry [McLaurin] been playing top of his game for the past six years, so why not want to come over here and kind of contribute as much as I can?"
The Commanders reinforced their commitment to Samuel by reworking his contract, guaranteeing $17 million of his 2025 salary and adding $3 million in incentives.
"That meant a lot," Samuel admitted. "By not stepping on the field for this team, not meeting everybody in the building, it just kind of shows what they think. And for me, on my end, it's just like, they put as much trust in me to do the things they did as far as my contract, I can't come in here and let them down.
"I gotta give it my all, do all the things that I need to do to be the best version of myself when I come here."
Samuel insists he is motivated and ready to work. Now, the challenge is proving it on the field in his new NFL home.