NEWS
49ers trading WR Deebo Samuel to the Commanders for a 5th-round pick. (via @RapSheet)

The NFL’s offseason transactional period won’t officially begin until March 12 with the start of the new league year. But that isn’t stopping the San Francisco 49ers and Washington Commanders from cutting the first major trade of the offseason.

Sep 15, 2024; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Deebo Samuel Sr. (1) runs back a kick against the Minnesota Vikings in the first quarter at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-Imagn Images
The Deebo Samuel trade news isn’t all that surprising. After all, the Niners just spent a bunch of money last offseason to re-sign Brandon Aiyuk and used the 31st overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft on wideout Ricky Pearsall. Running back Christian McCaffrey gets looks in the passing game, as does tight end George Kittle.
At some point, someone was going to be squeezed out. As it turns out, it is Samuel — who is no stranger to trade rumors.