Washington Commanders wide receiver Deebo Samuel Sr. noted in his introductory conference with reporters via The Associated Press that the team is "getting a motivated Deebo." "I'm just ready to get back to work." said the seventh-year pro. "I'm just ready to get around a group of guys, meet with the players, and we just go from there." The 29-year-old hasn't quite reached the heights of his absurd 1,770-yard, 14-touchdown All-Pro season in 2021. However, he has provided a versatile chess piece in Kyle Shanahan's offenses over the years. The South Carolina product also stated that winning is a motivator for him, and he was impressed with the play of second-year quarterback Jayden Daniels during his first stint in the pros. Samuel Sr. should fit opposite teammate Terry McLaurin nicely, adding another playmaker to deploy in Washington's dynamic offense.
Mar 21, 2025 4:02 PM EST
The Washington Commanders reworked new wide receiver Deebo Samuel Sr.'s deal on Wednesday and are guaranteeing $17 million of his previously non-guaranteed salary for the 2025 season while also adding another $3 million worth of incentives, sources tell ESPN's Adam Schefter. Samuel will now play his first season in D.C. on a one-year deal worth up to $20 million, including the $17 million guaranteed. The 29-year-old is set to serve as Washington's No. 2 receiver this year behind Terry McLaurin as he looks to bounce back from a disappointing final year in San Francisco in which he had a 51-670-3 line on 81 targets over 15 starts. Samuel, who was an All-Pro in 2021, will be a multi-faceted weapon for an offense led by impressive second-year QB Jayden Daniels. He could bounce back as a strong WR2 in fantasy, but durability is a concern despite him being on the right side of 30.
Mar 19, 2025 4:13 PM EST
The Washington Commanders have acquired wide receiver Deebo Samuel Sr. from the San Francisco 49ers in exchange for a fifth-round draft pick. Samuel's name has been around several trade discussions throughout the offseason after his disappointing 2024 campaign. In 2024, Samuel found the back of the end zone just four times and tallied 836 all-purpose yards. Through the air, Samuel caught 670 yards on 51 receptions. This was his lowest receiving total since the 2022 campaign. On the ground, Samuel ran for 136 yards, which is his lowest total in a season in which he played in at least 15 games. The Washington Commanders lacked a proven No. 2 wideout opposite of Terry McLaurin throughout the 2024 season. Even though McLaurin set the franchise record in receiving touchdowns, their No. 2 and No. 3 wide receivers, Noah Brown and Dyami Brown, combined for just two receiving scores. Fantasy managers should expect Samuel to operate as the No. 2 pass catcher opposite of McLaurin. Even though he is entering his seventh professional season, he will still carry value as a WR2 in all formats catching passes from breakout rookie Jayden Daniels. In San Francisco, Brandon Aiyuk will operate as the top wideout with Jauan Jennings and Ricky Pearsall slotting behind him.
Mar 1, 2025 6:59 PM EST
San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Deebo Samuel Sr. is expected to be traded this offseason, and the Washington Commanders and Houston Texans have had significant interest in trading for him, according to NFL insider Jordan Schultz. The Pittsburgh Steelers and Denver Broncos have also checked in, among other teams, but Washington and Houston are believed to be the most aggressive in trade talks. Samuel has spent his entire career with Niners since being selected in the second round of the 2019 NFL Draft and has posted 334 receptions for 4,792 yards, and 22 touchdowns in 81 games. He has added 1,143 yards and 20 touchdowns as a runner. Both Washington and Houston have quarterbacks on rookie deals and see their Super Bowl window as wide open, making them formidable suitors for the veteran wideout.
Feb 28, 2025 1:11 PM EST
San Francisco 49ers general manager John Lynch said on Wednesday at the NFL Combine that the team is on good terms with wide receiver Deebo Samuel Sr. and will honor his trade request. "He asked for a fresh start and we're going to honor that," Lynch said. Samuel asked for a trade right after the 2024 season following a disappointing season for both himself and the team. If the Niners do trade the 29-year-old pass-catcher, they will have a $31.6 million dead-cap hit while saving $15.2 million on the 2025 salary cap. It appears that San Fran has every intention of trading Samuel this offseason, but now the question becomes whether any teams will be willing to meet the 49ers' asking price after Samuel had just 51 catches on 81 targets for 670 receiving yards and three touchdowns in 15 starts. He's had added value while being used as a runner, too, but Samuel has battled injuries and his fantasy value could drop further, depending on where he winds up.
Feb 26, 2025 3:07 PM EST
The San Francisco 49ers gave wide receiver Deebo Samuel Sr. permission to seek a trade this offseason. Samuel is under contract for one more season, and his deal includes a $15 million option bonus. Along with his drop in production in 2024, it could suppress Samuel's trade market, but NBC Sports Bay Area's Matt Maiocco lists the Buffalo Bills, Los Angeles Chargers, Washington Commanders, Pittsburgh Steelers and Houston Texans as a few teams that could be interested in acquiring Samuel from the Niners. The 29-year-old former second-rounder had career-lows of 3.4 catches and 44.7 receiving yards per game in 15 contests in 2024, with his per-rush average also dropping to 3.2 yards. Although Samuel is much more of an injury risk with declining production, he does have 42 total TDs in six NFL seasons and will draw interest from receiver-needy teams as a trade target.
Feb 10, 2025 6:11 PM EST
ESPN's Adam Schefter reports that the San Francisco 49ers have granted wide receiver Deebo Samuel Sr. and his agent, Tory Dandy, permission to seek a trade. It comes after Samuel asked the 49ers to trade him during the players' exit meetings after the regular season. "It was a hard conversation to have with Kyle (Shanahan) because of the relationship that we have," Samuel said. "But I have to do what's best. I'm more than thankful for the Niners giving me the opportunity of a lifetime, but now I think it's best that we find another team." NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reported earlier that the 49ers were expected to explore trading Samuel this offseason. Despite Brandon Aiyuk (knee) missing most of 2024, Samuel had only 51 catches -- the second-lowest total of his career -- for 670 yards and three TDs in 15 games. He's due $17.55 million in 2025 in the final year of the three-year, $71.55 million extension he signed in 2022.
Feb 9, 2025 12:25 PM EST
San Francisco 49ers general manager John Lynch said on Wednesday that the plan is to bring wide receiver Deebo Samuel Sr. back for the 2025 season. After signing receiver Brandon Aiyuk (knee) to a hefty extension before the start of the 2024 season, it was assumed that the Niners would likely move on from Samuel heading into 2025 given his significant salary-cap hit. In addition to the decision regarding the future of Samuel, who missed the Week 18 regular-season finale due to rib and wrist injuries, the 49ers will also be navigating a long-term extension for quarterback Brock Purdy. If the Niners change their mind on the 28-year-old Samuel, he could be a trade candidate with one year left on his deal. In 15 games in 2024, he had 51 catches for 670 yards and only three touchdowns despite Aiyuk and running back Christian McCaffrey (knee) missing significant time with injuries.
Jan 8, 2025 3:30 PM EST
San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Deebo Samuel Sr. (ribs, wrist) has been ruled out for the Week 18 regular-season finale on Sunday against the division-rival Arizona Cardinals. Samuel didn't practice at all this week. The 28-year-old veteran likely would have been able to suit up this weekend if the Niners were playing for something, but with San Fran eliminated from postseason contention, he will be rested to close out the year. Jauan Jennings should operate as the team's WR1 on Sunday in a good matchup, with rookies Ricky Pearsall and Jacob Cowing and Chris Conley also seeing additional opportunities with backup quarterback Joshua Dobbs running the offense. Especially when considering the injuries to running back Christian McCaffrey (knee) and receiver Brandon Aiyuk (knee), Samuel's 51-670-3 line as a receiver in 15 games was a huge disappointment for the 49ers and fantasy managers alike.
Jan 3, 2025 5:13 PM EST
San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Deebo Samuel Sr. (ribs, wrist) picked up his second straight DNP this week after not practicing with the team on Thursday. Samuel is dealing with multiple injuries following Sunday night's loss to the Detroit Lions in Week 17 and is now firmly up in the air to play this Sunday against the division-rival Arizona Cardinals in the Week 18 regular-season finale with nothing on the line for either team. Backup quarterback Joshua Dobbs has already been named the starter with Brock Purdy (elbow) likely to be shut down, so Samuel's already shaky fantasy value will take another hit if he actually suits up this weekend. The 28-year-old has scored in back-to-back weeks, but on Sunday night he only caught one pass for five yards and had three carries for 16 yards. Samuel will be a touchdown-dependent WR3/flex if he faces Arizona in the regular-season finale.
Jan 2, 2025 6:09 PM EST
According to Nick Wagoner of ESPN, San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Deebo Samuel Sr. (rib/knee) did not practice on Wednesday. Samuel saw his typical snap count during Monday's loss to the Detroit Lions. Fantasy managers should continue to keep a close eye on his status throughout the week, as he may be in danger of missing Sunday's game against the Arizona Cardinals. Samuel has found the end zone in each of his past two games but has had an overall disappointing season. Since Week 10, he has just averaged a mere 9.0 PPR points per game. During this span he has seen just 5.3 targets per game. If Samuel is unable to play on Sunday, Jauan Jennings will operate as the top wideout in the offense and rookie wide receiver Ricky Pearsall would slot in as the No.2 option.
Jan 1, 2025 4:56 PM EST
San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Deebo Samuel Sr. returned to fantasy mediocrity in a 40-34 loss to the Lions in Santa Clara on Monday night. The 2021 First-team All-Pro took three carries for 16 yards on the ground. His only target in the passing game was not much of a target at all, a pop-pass on a reverse from the five-yard line that was essentially another carry. Luckily for some fantasy managers, Samuel Sr. managed to take it into the end zone. Unless he bounces back with a big game in Week 18, Samuel Sr. will record career lows in receptions per game, receiving yards per game, and rushing yards per attempt. He'll also bottom out this year in important counting stats like total touchdowns and rushing yards if throwing out the 2020 season in which he only made five starts. Samuel Sr. will try to build momentum for next year when he takes on the Cardinals in Arizona on Sunday.
Dec 31, 2024 1:43 AM EST
San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Deebo Samuel Sr. will line up across from the Detroit Lions in Santa Clara on Monday night. Last week in Miami, Samuel Sr. broke out of a miserable five-game slump by gathering seven of nine targets for 96 yards and a touchdown through the air, with five carries for 25 yards on the ground. Detroit's defense versus opposing fantasy wide receivers has been vulnerable -- they represent the sixth-most generous to the position in half-PPR formats. Samuel Sr.'s floor may be too low for many fantasy managers to stomach in their lineup for championship week as he averaged 3.3 half-PPR points during the aforementioned slump. However, last week's performance showed that he still has a chasable ceiling, especially for fantasy gamers entering Sunday needing a comeback. Samuel Sr. is being ranked as a low-end WR2 in Week 17.
Dec 28, 2024 11:32 PM EST
San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Deebo Samuel Sr. finally broke out of a five-game slump during a 29-17 defeat to the Dolphins in Miami on Sunday. Samuel Sr. caught seven of a co-team-high nine targets for 96 yards and a touchdown. He added five rushing attempts for 25 yards. Samuel Sr. looked angry and determined with his touches for the first time in weeks, scoring his 16-yard touchdown by running through three defenders. It's probably too little, too late for Samuel Sr.'s fantasy managers who suffered through five consecutive weeks of sub-five-point half-PPR performances, but anyone still rostering Samuel Sr. now has to at least consider him for a start in Week 17 coming off his most productive game of the season. San Francisco gets the offensive powerhouse Detroit Lions in Santa Clara on Monday night, which should force the 49ers into a pass-heavy game script, with a similar amount of carries to Sunday if rookie running back Isaac Guerendo (foot, hamstring) misses another game.
Dec 22, 2024 11:26 PM EST
San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Deebo Samuel Sr. will bring the least productive five-game stretch of his career into a Week 16 matchup in Miami on Sunday. He is averaging 3.3 half-PPR points over that stretch, including a 3.4-point performance last Thursday at home versus the Los Angeles Rams. Samuel Sr. reached a low point when he dropped an important 3rd-down pass in LA territory to a chorus of boos from the home fans. He'll have better days ahead -- he's certainly a better player than this -- but at this point, Samuel Sr. is untrustable in fantasy. In addition, Miami's tough pass defense has limited fantasy receivers to the second-lowest total in the league. Perhaps Samuel Sr. sees an increase in carries, with the 49ers down to their fifth-, sixth-, and seventh-string running backs due to a deluge of injuries. It might not matter much, though, as he's only averaging 2.7 yards per carry this year with one rushing touchdown, way back in Week 1. He's projected as a WR4 this week, and most Samuel Sr. managers still in the fantasy playoffs probably benched him long ago.
Dec 20, 2024 11:40 PM EST
San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Deebo Samuel Sr. had his woes continue during a 12-6 home loss to the Los Angeles Rams on Thursday night. The frustrated former Gamecock caught three of seven targets for 16 yards and took two carries for three yards. Not every unfulfilled target was Samuel Sr.'s fault, but one certainly was. With the game tied midway through the third quarter on a 3rd-and-10 just outside the red zone, Samuel Sr. dropped a wide-open pass on a crossing pattern which would have been a certain first down, and perhaps a touchdown. It doesn't get much cringier than that after he complained about his usage on social media early in the week. Samuel Sr. will carry an average of 4.7 half-PPR points over his last five games into a matchup in Week 16 versus one of the toughest defenses against wide receivers in Miami.
Dec 13, 2024 12:57 AM EST
San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Deebo Samuel gets his next chance to break out of a brutal slump when the team hosts the Los Angeles Rams on Thursday night. The former First-team All-Pro has averaged 3.3 half-PPR points per game over his last four contests. Samuel Sr. created drama early in the week, expressing dissatisfaction with a perceived decrease in the team getting him the ball. There is some truth to the complaint. Samuel Sr.'s career-high was 8.5 touches per game in 2021, and he averaged 6.5 touches per game last year compared to 6.0 touches this year. Of course, he didn't mention his season total of four broken tackles on social media, nor his 13.8 yards per reception (down almost a full yard from 2023), or his 2.9 yards per carry. The squeaky wheel may get the grease in this situation, but head coach Kyle Shanahan and quarterback Brock Purdy don't seem like the type to force-feed a complaining wideout based on their reactions this week. The Rams are a top-10 matchup to opposing wideouts, but it will be hard to trust Samuel Sr. in fantasy playoff lineups. He's a back-end WR3 at best in Week 15.
Dec 12, 2024 12:43 AM EST
San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Deebo Samuel Sr. once again had fantasy managers shaking their heads during a 38-13 blowout of the Chicago Bears on Sunday in Santa Clara. While technically an improvement from last week, two catches on three targets for 22 yards and five carries for 13 yards rushing isn't what one expects when checking the box score after a 38-point offensive output. Sunday marked the fourth-consecutive performance for Samuel Sr. with under five half-PPR points. Chicago appeared to spend most of the game in zone coverage -- which was vanquished not by perennial zone-beater Samuel Sr., but by wideout Jauan Jennings and tight end George Kittle. Samuel Sr. will be hard to start in the fantasy playoffs when he gets his next chance in Week 15 on Thursday night against the Los Angeles Rams in Santa Clara.
Dec 9, 2024 12:10 AM EST
San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Deebo Samuel Sr. will be looking to change his fortunes in a Week 14 home matchup against the Chicago Bears. Entering the contest, Samuel Sr. has failed to break five half-PPR points in three straight games. Last week in snowy Buffalo, he bottomed out -- or at least his fantasy managers hope so -- grabbing four of five targets for just 20 yards and no rushing attempts. Although Samuel Sr. won't be battling the weather on Sunday, the Bears pass defense offers pretty stiff competition -- fourth-best in the NFL at preventing fantasy points to wideouts in half-PPR settings. Samuel Sr. is still capable of burning fantasy managers who finally decide to bench him but the trend, matchup, and San Francisco's injury-riddled offense make him a risky low-end WR3 on Sunday, even in a six-team bye week.
Dec 6, 2024 11:54 PM EST
San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Deebo Samuel Sr. didn't do much to regain fantasy managers' confidence during a 35-10 defeat to the Bills in Buffalo on Sunday night. Samuel Sr. finished with four receptions on five targets for 20 yards receiving. He also lost a fumble. The modest reception total represented a team-high, and the targets tied fellow wideout Jauan Jennings for the team lead. In fairness to Deebo, San Francisco's entire offense was discombobulated in the snowy affair. Down two offensive linemen in heavy snow before losing running back Christian McCaffrey to a knee injury makes for a rough assignment against one of the best teams in football. At the same time, it marks the third straight game that Samuel Sr. has been held below five half-PPR points in fantasy. It's worth noting that Samuel Sr.'s lone unfulfilled target on Sunday should have been caught, which followed two crucial drops in Green Bay last week. Samuel Sr. gets another chance to turn it around against the Chicago Bears at home in Week 14.
Dec 2, 2024 1:44 AM EST
Copyright 2024 Fantasy Football Calculator | Image Source: Icon Sportswire. Not affiliated with the National Football League (NFL).
Stats powered by FantasyData.com.
