Deebo Samuel Says He Likes 'Winners,' Explains Motivation Behind Commanders Trade

Wide receiver Deebo Samuel gave some insight Thursday into why he was happy to be traded from the San Francisco 49ers to the Washington Commanders this offseason.

According to Ben Standig of The Athletic, Samuel said, "I like winners."

While the Commanders made only one playoff appearance in eight seasons from 2016 to 2023, they went 12-5 and made it all the way to the NFC Championship Game last season thanks largely to the play of rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels.

Samuel, 29, had spent his entire six-year NFL career with the Niners, but as he prepared to enter the final year of his contract in 2025, San Francisco dealt him to Washington for a fifth-round draft pick earlier this month.

ESPN's Adam Schefter (h/t ESPN's John Keim) reported Wednesday that the Commanders reworked Samuel's contract for 2025, guaranteeing him $17 million and adding $3 million in incentives.

During his six years in San Francisco, Samuel racked up 334 receptions for 4,792 yards and 22 touchdowns, while also rushing for 1,143 yards and 20 scores.

His best season came in 2021 when he was named a Pro Bowler and First Team All-Pro for the first and only time by virtue of recording 77 catches for 1,405 yards and six touchdowns, and rushing for 365 yards and eight touchdowns.

Additionally, Samuel did plenty of winning with the 49ers, as they compiled an overall regular-season record of 60-40 with three NFC West titles and four playoff appearances.

They also reached the Super Bowl twice during that stretch, losing to the Kansas City Chiefs both times.

However, on the heels of three straight playoff appearances and a trip to the Super Bowl in 2023, the 49ers dropped off significantly in 2024.

They finished just 6-11 and missed the postseason due in large part to key players such as Samuel, quarterback Brock Purdy, running back Christian McCaffrey, tight end George Kittle, wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk, offensive tackle Trent Williams, linebacker Dre Greenlaw, safety Talanoa Hufanga and defensive end Nick Bosa missing time because of injuries.

While the 49ers' prospects for 2025 and beyond are now very much in question, the Commanders are a team on the rise.

Samuel will have the opportunity to play with one of the best young quarterbacks in the NFL in Daniels, and he could form one of the league's top wide receiver duos with Terry McLaurin.

The Commanders will have some high-end competition in their own division next season, though, in the form of the Philadelphia Eagles, who beat them in the NFC Championship Game and went on to win the Super Bowl.