NFL Trade Rumors: Washington Commanders have “significant interest” in acquiring WR Deebo Samuel
It’s NFL Combine week, and that means the rumor mill is working overtime with media, coaches, executives, and agents meeting in Indianapolis. Several players are already on the trade block, including San Francisco 49ers WR Deebo Samuel. Jordan Schultz reported earlier today the Washington Commanders and Houston Texans have had significant in Samuel, with talks progressing recently. The Pittsburgh Steelers and Denver Broncos are also showing interest, but the Commanders and Texans are “believed to be the most aggressive” per Schultz.
The Washington Commanders will be adding a wide receiver or three this offseason to working with Jayden Daniels in his second season. They have five pending free agents at the position with Terry McLaurin set to return for the final year of his deal. GM Adam Peters has a lot of work to do in his second season with Washington, and he could start that by acquiring a player he helped draft with a second round pick in 2019.
Deebo Samuel requested a trade, and 49ers GM John Lynch told the media this week that the team is honoring his request to give him a fresh start. A trade to Washington would pair him a QB coming off an amazing rookie season, and a veteran WR who broke the franchise’s regular season TD record last season. Samuel had a down season last year, and dealt with a few injuries. He ended his likely final season in San Francisco with 51 receptions for 670 yards and 3 TDs. He also had 42 carries for another 136 yards and a TD.
The question most people want to know is what would this trade cost, both in trade compensation, and Samuel’s contract. ESPN brought up some issues the 49ers could have with trading Samuel after his contract was restructured last year.
The cost to trade for him will depend on how much serious interest he’s getting from other teams. Samuel’s production has declined, and the injuries have continued throughout his high-use career. Team’s will want to limit their loss of draft capital, and possibly push to give up future picks due to his contract situation. ESPN projected a 2026 fourth and 2027 fifth-round pick that could become another fourth if he’s still on the team next in 2026. If a trade happens soon, a pick in this year’s draft might need to be swapped in if there’s real competition for him from multiple teams.
