Deebo Samuel to Wear No. 1 Commanders Jersey After Trade from 49ers

Deebo Samuel will wear a new jersey next season, but the number won't change.

The Washington Commanders announced on Tuesday that Samuel will wear jersey No. 1 after his trade from the San Francisco 49ers.

Samuel was given permission to seek a trade after requesting a deal from the 49ers following the end of the 2024 season.

"It was a hard conversation to have with Kyle (Shanahan) because of the relationship that we have," Samuel said about his request. "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."

The 49ers wound up trading Samuel to the Commanders in exchange for a 2025 fifth-round draft pick. He gives an offense that was one of the most exciting in the NFL with Rookie of the Year Jayden Daniels at quarterback another option at receiver next to Terry McLaurin.

Washington will be hoping the jersey is more successful for Samuel than it was for the last player who wore No. 1, Jahan Dotson.

A first-round draft pick in 2022, Dotson had a promising rookie year with 523 receiving yards and seven touchdowns. His performance dropped off the following year with just 10.9 yards per catch in 2023.

The Commanders traded Dotson to the Philadelphia Eagles in August 2024.

Samuel wore jersey No. 19 for the first five years of his NFL career. He made the switch to No. 1 for the 2024 season. The 29-year-old previously wore No. 1 for his final three years at South Carolina from 2016 to '18.

Washington has high expectations going into the 2025 season after a surprise run to the NFC Championship Game. The offense looks formidable on paper with Daniels, Samuel and McLaurin as their main trio.

Samuel finished last season with 806 yards from scrimmage and four total touchdowns in 15 games for the 49ers.