The Washington Commanders managed to defeat the Detroit Lions in the postseason at Ford Field.
In 2025, the Lions will travel to face a Commanders team that has reportedly added another offensive weapon for quarterback Jayden Daniels.
According to several reports, the San Francisco 49ers are trading wide receiver Deebo Samuel to the Washington Commanders in exchange for a fifth-round draft pick.
At the combine, 49ers general manager John Lynch admitted he wasn’t thrilled about trading away a solid player but confirmed he would respect the veteran wideout’s trade request.
“We’re on good terms with Deebo,” Lynch said. “He’s asked for a fresh start, and I think we’re going to honor that.”
Lynch revealed that the 29-year-old had expressed a desire for a change of scenery. This isn’t the first time Samuel has requested a trade, as he made a similar request in 2022. The two sides were able to agree on a contract back then.
According to the NFL’s website, “The ‘wideback,’ who has accumulated 5,935 scrimmage yards and 42 scrimmage touchdowns as the first-ever WR with 20-plus receiving and rushing touchdowns, asked for a trade in the spring of 2022. San Francisco and Samuel later worked out an extension, but just last spring during the 2024 NFL Draft, Samuel and teammate Brandon Aiyuk were once again linked to trade talks. Samuel remained in San Fran, but things have changed.”
Last season, Samuel had 51 receptions for 670 yards and three touchdowns, a notable drop compared to his previous seasons.
“I don’t like seeing great players leave, and he is a great player. I think often one of my favorite draft picks of my time,” Lynch said. “He makes plays and game-changing plays. Everything’s good, but at some point, time happens. He asked for that. It probably makes sense, so we’re at least allowing him to look. We’re having conversations, and we’ll see where that goes.”
Detroit was knocked out by the Commanders, 45-31, in the Divisional Round of the playoffs. Now, Kelvin Sheppard’s defense will face yet another offensive weapon from the Commanders.
Kliff Kingsbury and the Commanders’ offense already feature wideouts Terry McLaurin and Dyami Brown. The rising NFC East team advanced to the NFC Championship game this season but was eliminated by the eventual Super Bowl champion Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field.
