Deebo Samuel, a former standout player for the San Francisco 49ers, is ready to make his mark with the Washington Commanders after being traded for a fifth-round pick. His path from winning the most prestigious award in college football, the Heisman Trophy, to his rookie year in the NFL has been nothing short of fascinating. Samuel last week asked for a trade from the 49ers. Even more prominently, he pointed to Washington’s organizational overhaul as the primary factor behind his decision. Now, as he becomes a member of the Commanders, he is focused on paying their faith and pride in his skills back.
Samuel, who has a decade of experience coaching at the Senior Bowl, holds an impressive coaching resume. College Brandon’s former youth football coach, new Niners receiver Brandon Aiyuk, wouldn’t stop raving about him, calling him destined to find success on the gridiron.
"My boy is about to win the Heisman. My boy is about to do this, my boy's about to do that," Aiyuk had said of Samuel.
Little did Samuel know at the time that his words would ring true. He’d ultimately go on to win the Heisman Trophy, establishing him as one of the best talents in the sport.
Immediately entering the league, Samuel proved he was a dynamic weapon similar to the aforementioned McCaffrey with 806 scrimmage yards in his rookie season. His development took a step back in 2020 when he only played in seven games and finished with less yards. Though these obstacles were formidable, they did not overshadow the firebrand talent of Samuel.
His exit from the 49ers was a major domino to fall after he demanded a trade soon after the season. Samuel continued, saying he wanted to come to Washington because of their quick turnaround and organizational growth.
"They've got a good team for sure and they were just standing out," Samuel remarked.
From the Washington Commanders’ perspective, they had lofty expectations for Samuel. They moved quickly, swapping a fifth-round pick with their division rivals in New England to get him on their roster. The team further demonstrated their faith in him by guaranteeing the last year of his contract and adding $3 million in incentives.
Samuel’s impressive six-season run with the Dallas Cowboys certainly checks a lot of boxes when it comes to his abilities. In his four years in the City of Brotherly Love, he made an impressive 266 grabs. Dan Quinn, the Cowboys’ defensive coordinator at the time, is now the head coach of Washington. This familiarity could prove advantageous as Samuel adapts to his new team.
"Everyone wants to see me take my game to a level I don't think it can go," Samuel stated. "But everyone says there's another level so I'll push myself to that level."
Samuel’s aware of the aspirations that come with this new chapter in his career. He’s committed to putting on freak shows for the Commanders.
"I can't come in here and let them down," Samuel emphasized.
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