Deebo’s time in the Bay Area is up.
Last weekend brought news that Deebo Samuel’s time in San Francisco had come to an end, with the ‘wide back’ traded to the Commanders for a fifth round pick.
This news did not come as a surprise. Samuel publicly requested a trade earlier this year.
Furthermore, the noises coming out of the Bay Area gave the impression that 2024 would be Deebo’s last season in the red and gold long before his eventual departure.
Commanders fans are quite rightly excited by the move. You can read why our own Commanders writer is particularly keen here.
That does not mean that 49ers fans are devastated. All saw this move coming, and most welcome it. While Deebo’s production waned prior to his departure, he was superb throughout most of his time in San Francisco.
The memories
Fans will undoubtedly reflect most fondly on Deebo’s incredible 2021 season.
It is not a stretch to say that Samuel almost single-handedly dragged the 49ers to the brink of the Super Bowl. Without him, the 49ers would not have made the playoffs that year.
1,405 receiving yards, 365 rushing yards, 14 total touchdowns and countless broken tackles speaks to that. Indeed, an 83 yard catch-and-run against Chicago in Week 8 effectively saved the 49ers’ season.
There are other fantastic memories that fans should cherish. Who can forget the trash talk in the build up to the 2023 Week 13 road game against the Eagles.
Samuel – and the 49ers – felt they had not got a fair crack at Philly in the 2023 NFC title game. Samuel stood on business and backed up his words with a legendary 138-yard, three touchdown performance that went some way to easing the pain of the previous season.
Along the way there are many other moments that will linger in 49ers folklore.
Due to the way Deebo plays, these tend to be individual moments, rather than eye-popping box scores. Few players can galvanise a team in the way Deebo did between 2019-24 in San Francisco.
Washington’s new weapon
The Commanders are getting a player with plenty of miles on the clock, but one who will inspire others with his style and demeanour.
Samuel will be physical and give a developing Washington team real presence.
Another experienced veteran should do Jayden Daniels the world of good. Deebo will not play for ever, and his output may well continue to decline.
Nonetheless, Washington should get at least one year of solid production from a player who is no stranger to the biggest moments. That is more than worthy of a fifth round pick.
Go well, Deebo!
