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.
Related News
More San Francisco 49ers News
-
Brandon Aiyuk Trade Analysis: Weighing the Risks and Connections Between the 49ers and Commanders
The rumour mill is churning with speculation about a possible trade between the San Francisco 49ers and the Washington Commanders involving disgruntled wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk. This article explores the key risks and connections of such a potential trade, while considering... -
49ers' Brandon Aiyuk to Commanders? Jayden Daniels open to reunion
Speculation surrounding Brandon Aiyuk continues to build, and one former college teammate wouldn't mind reuniting with the San Francisco 49ers wide receiver. Quarterback Jayden Daniels recently sat down with Nate Tice of Yahoo Sports to discuss the offseason outlook for the... -
George Kittle hints at potential 49ers reunion with Deebo Samuel
A return to the San Francisco 49ers may not be as far-fetched for Deebo Samuel as it once seemed. After requesting a trade last year and ultimately being dealt to the Washington Commanders, a reunion between Samuel and the 49ers appeared unlikely. However, tight end George... -
49ers takeaways from Seahawks' Super Bowl win: Blueprint to reclaim the NFC West
While the irritation was high among the Faithful as the Seattle Seahawks won the Super Bowl in San Francisco's stadium—and got to use the 49ers' locker room during it, no less—the game was instructive. Boring. Good gracious, it was boring. But it was a lesson in how to win...