Steelers Miss Out on Another WR, Deebo Samuel Traded to Washington
The San Francisco 49ers have traded wide receiver Deebo Samuel to the Washington Commanders in exchange for a fifth-round draft pick, according to multiple media reports.
The Pittsburgh Steelers had been in talks with the 49ers about trading for Samuel, but instead he’ll go to Washington, where he’ll pair with No. 1 wide receiver Terry McLaurin.
It was initially thought there might not be much of a market for Samuel, after he struggled during the 2024 season, but in recent days, five suitors emerged, including the Commanders, Steelers, Houston Texans and Denver Broncos. According to a report by Jordan Schultz on Friday, the Steelers were not one of the more-interested teams in acquiring the services of the veteran wide receiver.
Samuel, 29, had a down-turn in his production in 2024, likely furthering the 49ers’ decision on trading him. In 15 games in 2024, Samuel caught 51 of 81 targets for 670 yard and three touchdowns. His 44.7 yards per game was a career low, as the entire 49ers offense struggled with injuries and a downturn in results, despite being loaded up for a Super Bowl run in 2024.
The 6-foot, 215-pound wide receiver was the 49ers’ second-round pick in the 2019 NFL Draft out of South Carolina. In his six NFL seasons, he’s caught 334 passes for 4,792 yards and 22 touchdowns. His best season came in 2021, when he caught 77 passes for 1,405 yards and six touchdowns and led the NFL in yards per reception.
Samuel has one season remaining on his contract with the 49ers, and he is due $17.55 million. The trade will cause a $31 million dead cap hit for the 49ers in 2025.
All trades made before the start of the new league year on March 12 can be agreed to, but will not process until that date.
It’s unclear if trading Aiyuk will mean that the 49ers are no longer entertaining the idea of also trading Brandon Aiyuk. General manager John Lynch said this week that the 49ers were listening to offers for their other star receiver, as well.
The Steelers tried to trade for both Samuel and Aiyuk over the course of the 2024 offseason and were unable to, and general manger Omar Khan called adding a playmaker at wide receiver a priority for this offseason.
