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
-
NFL insider links 49ers WR Brandon Aiyuk to Commanders
San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk may be nearing the end of his tenure in the Bay Area. That became a growing assumption after news broke of the team voiding his 2026 guaranteed salary—a move that still hasn't been fully explained. However, ESPN reported that... -
49ers teammate on Brandon Aiyuk: 'It doesn't seem like he's coming back'
It appears that Brandon Aiyuk's San Francisco 49ers teammates are coming to terms with the likelihood that the veteran wide receiver won't return this season. Following recent developments, speculation has grown that Aiyuk may have even played his final snap in red and... -
Schefter highlights 49ers RB Christian McCaffrey's historic 2025 season
San Francisco 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey is putting together a season for the history books. While he's averaging a career-low 3.6 yards per carry, his versatility as a playmaker in both the running and passing game makes him one of quarterback Brock Purdy's most... -
NFL reveals 49ers' nominee for Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award
The NFL has revealed its 32 nominees for the prestigious Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award, which honors players for their excellence on and off the field. Representing the San Francisco 49ers for the second consecutive year is linebacker Curtis Robinson. The 49ers...