(Photo: Sactown Sports)
The Washington Commanders were by far the feel good story of the 2024 season. They ushered in a new Head Coach in Dan Quinn and drafted Jayden Daniels with the second overall pick in the NFL Draft last April. This team made an unexpected leap into a winning season as they went from four victories in 2023 to a 12-5 record the following season, Jayden won Offensive Rookie of the Year, the Commanders made the playoffs and won their first playoff game in 20 seasons, and they made it to the NFC Championship game where they fell short to the eventual Super Bowl Champion, Philadelphia Eagles. After all the success this past year and the direction they appear to be headed in, there’s a strong possibility of players wanting to play for this franchise. With free agency looming around, the first trade of the off-season took place and the 49ers have decided to trade Deebo Samuel to the Washington Commanders for a fifth-round draft pick.
I wouldn’t consider Deebo an elite Wide Receiver by any means because that would be stretching it. However, he does a lot of things very well and that’s what makes him stand out on the field. When Deebo is healthy, he’s a key contributor to his offense and is one of the better offensive weapons in the league. He’s a threat with the football in his hands and each time he has it, he will make something happen whether it’s a screen pass, running routes as a receiver or a jet sweep, he’s threat to make magic in the open field and if you don’t scout for him as a defense, he will pick you apart. Deebo has a unique style as a football player because he’s that athlete that can do it all when you watch him play and once he has the football in his hands, he becomes a bruiser and turns into a Running Back with wanting to run people over, not around them which leads me to say he welcomes and initiates contact regularly. Many of you who have followed me over the years know I’ve referred to Deebo as the “Joker” of his offense while with the 49ers and anything you asked of him, he did it. Play wide as a receiver? Done. Line up in the backfield and take handoffs? Done. Play on Special Teams and return kicks or punts? He can do it and so much more. The versatility he displays is what sets him apart from others in the league. As a receiver, Deebo is one of the best after the catch as he turns into a completely different guy who is difficult to tackle in space and once he gets going, he won’t stop. He can catch the ball short and take it for 20 yards with the ability to break tackles and how he makes the most of every play is remarkable. Deebo keeps defenses on their toes, and you never know which way he will impact the game.
I like this move for the Washington Commanders as it gives Jayden another weapon to lean on in this offense and the Commanders are wanting to show that last year wasn’t a one-time thing. They feel they are here and will make the playoffs consecutively. I can also say I’m not surprised the 49ers decided to trade Deebo, especially after the team drafted Ricky Pearsall and signing Brandon Aiyuk to a contract extension made him the odd man out. If he can remain healthy on a consistent basis, this will appear to be a solid move. That’s all this depends on right now is health and availability.
looks good