Who Should I Start? Deebo Samuel or Brandon Aiyuk

Friday, March 21, 4:02 PM

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.

Thursday, March 6, 9:20 PM

The Athletic's David Lombardi said on the Pat McAfee Show on Thursday that he doesn't "think it's likely that the San Francisco 49ers are gonna trade Brandon Aiyuk." However, he also said "it's something that they're not saying a firm no to, though." The new contract that Aiyuk signed before last season wouldn't necessarily be a deterrent to a trade as much as the fact that he tore his ACL and MCL last season. If a team wanted to trade for the 26-year-old former first-rounder, they'd be inheriting him at four years and $110 million. Aiyuk also has a $20 million guarantee that kicks in on April 1, so it gives San Fran a little extra time to try and find a trade partner, despite just recently dealing Deebo Samuel Sr. to the Commanders. Before Aiyuk's injury, he didn't look good with 25 catches for 374 yards and no touchdowns in seven games. Depending on his recovery from his major knee injury, Aiyuk could be a rebound candidate in fantasy if he stays with the Niners now that Samuel is out of town.