After spending the last six years in the Bay Area, the San Francisco 49ers finally parted ways with veteran wide receiver Deebo Samuel. San Francisco traded Samuel to the Washington Commanders for a 2025 fifth-round pick.
It’s the end of an era for Samuel and the 49ers as San Fran took a shot on him by taking the former South Carolina wideout in the second round of the 2019 NFL Draft. It was a smart move by the 49ers as Samuel became an instant playmaker as a rookie, recording 57 receptions (81 targets) for 802 yards and three touchdowns. He also had 159 rushing yards and three scores on the ground.
Samuel’s rookie performance was a sign of things to come during his 49ers’ tenure. He helped lead the team to two Super Bowl appearances and was named to the Pro Bowl and first-team All-Pro in 2021.
The veteran wide receiver took the time out to acknowledge his time with the 49ers and thank the fans with a video montage posted on Instagram.
Deebo Samuel Via IG after the trade to the commanders 🙏🏼 pic.twitter.com/eyIOoTp0Om
— OurSF49ers (@OurSf49ers) March 1, 2025
The video shows Samuel the day he was drafted by the 49ers and the countless plays he made in a 49er uniform. One game 49ers fans won’t forget is Samuel’s three-touchdown performance against the Philadelphia Eagles in 2023.
The Eagles’ defense did not have any answer for Samuel, who torched them for 138 total yards on seven touches. Samuel finished the 2023 campaign with 1,117 yards from scrimmage and 12 total touchdowns.
This past season, the veteran receiver struggled to live up to what he’s done in previous years with the team. However, Samuel still managed to have 806 yards and four total TDs. That said, 49ers fans will not forget the energy and excitement Samuel brought to the field over the years.
That cannot be replaced by one singular player. Nonetheless, 49er fans will watch to see what he does with the Commanders in the nation's capital next season.