The San Francisco 49ers knew there would be turnover on the roster this offseason, and they wasted no time moving on from one of their best playmakers.
On Saturday, the 49ers traded receiver Deebo Samuel to the Washington Commanders in exchange for a fifth-round pick.
That trade compensation was underwhelming to 49ers fans, and a report from The Athletic's Dianna Russini made it worse. Per Russini, the Commanders and the 49ers discussed the possibility of swapping Samuel for defensive tackle Jonathan Allen, but that wasn't agreed upon.
The Commanders and 49ers discussed a potential swap involving Jonathan Allen and Deebo Samuel, sources tell me and @MikeSilver
— Dianna Russini (@DMRussini) March 2, 2025
Ultimately, Allen — who requested a trade earlier this week — was not included in the deal that will send Samuel to Washington. pic.twitter.com/FMlD215WWv
49ers Discussed Jonathan Allen as Potential Swap in Deebo Samuel Trade
Allen was given permission by the Commanders to seek a trade, and the 49ers could have been an ideal landing spot. There are rumors that the 49ers plan to release defensive tackle Javon Hargrave and Allen could have been someone who steps in right away.
Allen has one year left on his deal at $22.3 million, and the 49ers would have been able to absorb that contract. San Francisco heads into free agency with $51 million in cap space, which is the 11th-most in the league.
The Alabama product was limited to eight games in 2024 after he tore his pectoral muscle, but prior to going down, Allen was struggling. He finished with a career-worst 54.6 overall grade, but he is someone who could bounce back.
The Alabama product can rush the quarterback from the interior and be a solid run defender. In 109 games (108 starts), Allen has 401 total tackles, 60 TFLs, 118 QB hits, and 42 sacks.
With just one year remaining on his deal, it would have been worth the one-year flier. Allen is more of a proven commodity than a fifth-round pick. The 49ers will have a void at the defensive tackle, and instead of adding a pro bowl defender, they decided to agree on a fifth-round pick.