The San Francisco 49ers are trading wide receiver Deebo Samuel to the Washington Commanders in exchange for a fifth-round draft pick. However, according to The Athletic’s Dianna Russini and Michael Silver, the teams initially explored a player-for-player swap involving Samuel and defensive tackle Jonathan Allen.
“Ultimately, Allen — who requested a trade earlier this week — was not included in the deal that will send Samuel to Washington,” Russini reported.
The 49ers could have used help along the defensive line. Although, Allen’s play has fallen off in recent years. His 56.0 defensive grade from Pro Football Focus in 2024 was a career low, while his 42.2 run-defense grade was the second-worst mark of his career.
Allen also missed most of this past season after suffering a partially torn left pectoral muscle in Week 6. He returned from injured reserve ahead of Week 17. Commanders general manager Adam Peters recently confirmed that the team had permitted him to seek a trade.
Samuel’s trade marks the end of his tenure in the Bay Area, where he spent his entire NFL career. He now transitions from catching passes from Brock Purdy to working with quarterback Jayden Daniels in Washington.
Samuel’s production has declined since his breakout 2021 season, when he totaled 1,770 scrimmage yards and 14 touchdowns, including a career-high 1,405 receiving yards. He hasn’t surpassed 900 receiving yards in a season since, but he will look to revive his career with the Commanders.