NFL Fans Praise Commanders for Deebo Samuel Trade, Eye Jayden Daniels MVP Season

The Washington Commanders made an early offseason splash on Saturday.

The Commanders acquired Pro Bowl wide receiver Deebo Samuel in a trade with the San Francisco 49ers, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter.

Washington sent San Francisco a fifth-round draft pick in return, Schefter reported.

While the deal won't officially be processed until the new league year begins on March 12, fans were already envisioning Jayden Daniels as an MVP candidate with Samuel as one of his top targets.

Samuel has one year remaining on his current contract, as he's due $21.7 million for the 2025 season (h/t NFL Network's Ian Rapoport).

The former second-round pick spent the first six years of his career with the 49ers, but he requested a trade at the end of the 2024 season.

Washington's desire to add Samuel was apparent prior to the move, with Fox Sports' Jordan Schultz reporting Friday that the Commanders and Houston Texans had "significant interest" in the receiver.

Samuel hasn't been able to replicate his impact from a 2021 season in which he recorded 1,770 all-purpose yards and 14 total touchdowns, but he's remained a contributor on San Francisco's offense in multiple roles since.

The 29-year-old picked up 806 yards from scrimmage on 93 touches during 15 starts in 2024. Samuel also found the end zone four times.

He should be able to make an early impact on a Commanders team that struggled to find a consistent No. 2 receiver alongside Terry McLaurin in 2024.

As for Daniels, the 2024 Offensive Rookie of the Year is coming off a stellar inaugural season in which he helped lead Washington to a surprising NFC Championship Game appearance.

He threw for 3,568 yards and picked up 891 yards on the ground, scoring 31 total touchdowns and throwing nine interceptions.

As the Commanders attempt to remain a contender in the NFC next season, they parted ways with a fifth-round pick in order to add a new weapon for Daniels on Saturday.