NFL

Deebo Samuel Speaks About Commanders Trade: “I Like Winners”

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Anthony Cardenas
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Anthony Cardenas Sports Editor

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Published21 Mar 2025

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When Deebo Samuel requested a trade from the San Francisco 49ers, the wide receiver had a short list of teams he’d like to play for. The list was built on a certain criterion, and that was winning football teams, and he got his wish by getting dealt to a team that played in the NFC Championship game in 2024.

Deebo Samuel On Commanders Trade: “I Like Winners”

The 29-year-old Samuel is coming off of a down year, well removed from his breakout season in 2021 in which he was selected as a First Team All-Pro. But he brings a skill set to the Washington Commanders that the team lacked last season, one that specializes in play making and racking up yards after the catch.

“They’ve already proven they can win,” Samuel said during his introductory press conference on Thursday. “I’m just coming to…contribute to the offense in any aspect that they need me.” He added a quote that summed up his thought process in finding a new home:

“I like winners.”

He knows he has to prove himself. Samuel is entering the final season of the contract that he signed with the 49ers back in 2022, and will be motivated to perform well in order to earn a new deal that will bring him into his 30s. As of now, it looks as though he’ll be option 2 or 3 in the Commanders’ offense, behind Terry McLaurin and maybe tight end Zach Ertz. But his ability to be a dual threat by playing out of the backfield could see Deebo Samuel finish near the top of the team in touches.

Samuel is hoping to see an improvement from his play in 2024. His 806 total scrimmage yards was the lowest total of any season in which he played in 12+ games, and it was the same case for his 4 total touchdowns.

There were some extracurricular issues that may have affected his play and production, including a rumored weight gain as well as an on-field spat with the field goal kicking unit.