After publicly addressing trade speculation around wide receiver Deebo Samuel earlier this week, San Francisco 49ers General Manager John Lynch helped move the veteran on Saturday.
San Francisco moved the six-year veteran coast-to-coast to the Washington Commanders for a fifth-round pick.
“We’re on good terms with Deebo,” Lynch told NFL Network on Wednesday. “He’s asked for a fresh start and I think we’re going to honor that.”
What’s the cost?
Washington will pay the remainder of Samuel’s contract: $17.5 million, multiple sources report. Thought it’s important to note he’s currently due a base salary of $1.17 million and has no guaranteed money remaining.
The move will also cost the 49ers approximately $31 million in dead money and $15.1 million in cap space because the dual-threat was traded prior to the pre-trade date of June 1.
Where does Samuel fit in the Washington pecking order?
Samuel will enter the Commanders’ offense as its No. 2 receiving option behind Terry McLaurin. The offensive gadget will also likely be featured in the rushing attack with Brian Robinson Jr. and Austin Ekeler, as he has found run-game success throughout his career.
Aside from Olamide Zaccheaus, who joined Washington last season, all of its other receivers showed spots of brightness but were nonetheless mediocre.
The Commanders’ wide receiver room will now be a fight for third between Noah Brown, Dyami Brown, Luke McCaffrey, and Jamison Crowder.
Washington’s offense has now become a “only so many balls to go around” offense, with it likely featuring heavy end zone visits from the group of quarterback Jayden Daniels, Robinson Jr., Ekeler, McLaurin and Samuel. While good for the Commanders on the field, it’s not as ideal for fantasy managers.
Although, fantasy managers will see an immediate boost for Samuel in the passing game, but should temper expectations for rushing numbers.
This also comes in-part to Daniels finishing fifth overall in fantasy points in his first season. Aside from tight end Zach Ertz, this was Daniels working with one true receiving threat.
It will also be important for fantasy managers to see how Samuel responds to a career-low 670 yards and four touchdowns from his now-final healthy season in San Francisco. It also marked the lowest output in healthy seasons where he played at least 15 games.
Who’s the man next up in San Francisco?
Meanwhile, San Francisco likely goes into the NFL Draft with a receiving corps of Brandon Aiyuk, Jauan Jennings, and Ricky Pearsall.
San Francisco had a down year, missing the playoffs the season following a Super Bowl appearance. It saw Jennings miss the 1,000-yard mark by 25 yards – but also led the team in offensive production.
Second year receiver Pearsall will likely see a jump in production, too. After returning from a shooting injury that sidelined him to begin the season, he tallied 247 yards and two touchdowns in the final three games to show a glimpse of his potential.
A lot of question marks emerge in the 49ers receiving corps, but multiple options proved his longevity in the absences of running back Christian McCaffrey and George Kittle.
Training camp will likely help narrow in a clear pecking order in the new 49ers offense.
The move, that will become official when the new league year begins on March 12, reunites him with General Manager Adam Peters, who was once the assistant to the same position in San Francisco.
