Deebo Samuel’s Fresh Start: Fantasy Football Impact After Commanders Trade
The NFL offseason is always ripe with surprises, but few moves sent shockwaves through the league quite like the recent trade sending Deebo Samuel Sr. from the San Francisco 49ers to the Washington Commanders. This move, finalized on March 1st, 2025, not only reshapes the receiving corps of both teams but also has significant implications for fantasy football enthusiasts. Let’s dive into the details of this blockbuster trade and analyze its impact on Samuel, the Commanders’ offense, and the remaining 49ers’ receiving options.
The Trade Details
The Washington Commanders acquired Deebo Samuel Sr. in exchange for a fifth-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. The Commanders will also assume Samuel’s $17.5 million salary for the 2025 season. This move signifies a clear commitment from the Commanders to bolster their receiving corps and provide quarterback Jayden Daniels with another dynamic weapon.
Deebo Samuel: A Change of Scenery
Deebo Samuel’s time in San Francisco was marked by flashes of brilliance and frustrating injury spells. After a stellar 2021 season where he amassed a career-high 338.9 fantasy points, his production has gradually declined. In 2024, Samuel’s role seemed to diminish, becoming more of a checkdown option. His average depth of target (aDOT) plummeted to a career-low 6.9 yards, and his yards per route run (YPRR) also hit a career-worst 1.61.
However, a change of scenery could be exactly what Samuel needs to revitalize his career. Joining the Commanders, Samuel steps into a receiving room with less competition for targets, especially with several wideouts entering free agency. He’ll have the opportunity to establish himself as a key component of the Commanders’ passing attack, potentially mirroring the role he played alongside Brandon Aiyuk in San Francisco.
Fantasy Football Impact on Samuel
The fantasy football community is divided on Samuel’s potential in Washington. Some analysts believe the trade is a boon for his value, citing the increased target share and the potential for a rebound in production. Others are more cautious, pointing to the Commanders’ potential for a lower overall pass volume compared to the 49ers and concerns about Samuel’s usage in the backfield under new offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury.
Pro Football Network suggests that Samuel will have every opportunity to be to Terry McLaurin what he was to Brandon Aiyuk in San Francisco. However, they also raise the question: Is Samuel done? His 2024 performance left much to be desired, and fantasy managers need to consider whether he can recapture his previous form.
CBS Sports’ Dave Richard is not particularly optimistic about Samuel’s fantasy outlook, stating that he wouldn’t rank him inside his top-36 receivers overall. He believes that Jauan Jennings and Ricky Pearsall, the potential beneficiaries in San Francisco, are more appealing fantasy options.
Ultimately, Samuel’s fantasy value will depend on his ability to adapt to the Commanders’ offense and his chemistry with Jayden Daniels. He’s likely to be a WR3/flex starter in most 2025 fantasy drafts, but his upside will hinge on his performance in training camp and the preseason.
Impact on Jayden Daniels and Terry McLaurin
The addition of Deebo Samuel undoubtedly impacts the fantasy value of Jayden Daniels and Terry McLaurin. Samuel provides Daniels with another reliable target, potentially elevating his draft stock. He is a player who can get open quickly and make plays after the catch.
For McLaurin, the impact is more nuanced. While he remains the undisputed No. 1 receiver in Washington, Samuel’s presence could draw some attention away from him, potentially opening up more deep-ball opportunities. However, it could also lead to a slight decrease in his overall target share.
NBC Sports believes that McLaurin should still operate as the team’s No. 1 receiver, and Samuel’s presence underneath may even open up more deep looks for him.
The 49ers’ Receiving Corps: Opportunities Abound
With Samuel gone, the 49ers’ receiving corps is ripe with opportunity for other players to step up. Brandon Aiyuk is currently recovering from an ACL tear, and there are reports that the 49ers may be open to trading him as well. This leaves Jauan Jennings and Ricky Pearsall as the leading candidates to fill the void left by Samuel.
Dave Richard of CBS Sports sees the 49ers’ receivers as the biggest winners of the Samuel trade. He highlights Jauan Jennings as a potential low-end WR3 with a target volume of 7+ per game, praising his established rapport with quarterback Brock Purdy and his ability to win in the red zone. He also identifies Ricky Pearsall as a popular sleeper, citing his route running and speed.
Injury Concerns
It’s important to acknowledge Deebo Samuel’s injury history when assessing his fantasy value. Throughout his career, he has battled various ailments, including hamstring, calf, rib, and shoulder injuries. These injuries have caused him to miss games and have undoubtedly impacted his performance at times.
In 2024 alone, Samuel dealt with a calf strain in September and rib and oblique injuries in November. Fantasy managers should be aware of this injury risk when considering drafting him.
Final Thoughts
The trade of Deebo Samuel to the Washington Commanders is a significant move that has far-reaching implications for both teams and the fantasy football landscape. While Samuel’s fantasy value is uncertain, he has the potential to be a valuable asset in the right situation. The trade also opens up opportunities for other receivers in San Francisco to emerge as fantasy contributors. As the 2025 season approaches, it will be fascinating to see how these changes play out on the field.