Analysis

An offseason trade for Samuel had been anticipated since San Francisco granted the wideout and his agent permission to find a trade partner in early February. The domino finally fell Saturday with the report that Samuel is headed to Washington to join an upstart Commanders club that advanced to the NFC Championship Game last season. The 2021 first-team All-Pro will now catch passes from 2024 AP Offensive Rookie of the Year Jayden Daniels while forming a dynamic wideout duo alongside Terry McLaurin. It remains to be seen how much Samuel will be used out of the backfield after he got at least 37 regular-season carries each of the past four years in San Francisco, but regardless the move gives Samuel a fresh start following a disappointing 2024 regular season during which he caught just 51 of 81 targets for 670 yards and three touchdowns while adding 136 yards on 42 carries and one touchdown. He also contributed as a kick returner, taking 17 returns for 533 yards.

Analysis

Schultz reports the Steelers and Broncos are among other teams that have inquired about trading for Samuel, but he notes Washington and Houston have been the strongest suitors to this point. The Commanders seem committed to adding another playmaker for Jayden Daniels, who earned 2024 NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year honors despite Terry McLaurin being his only pass catcher to even approach the 1,000-yard mark. Houston, meanwhile, faces a similar conundrum, needing to surround C.J. Stroud with new offensive talent, as Stefon Diggs (knee - ACL) seems likely to move on, and Tank Dell (knee - ACL + MCL) is in danger of potentially missing a significant amount of the 2025 campaign. Samuel admittedly struggled to impress in 2024, finishing with a mere 51 catches (81 targets) for 670 yards and three touchdowns across 15 appearances, plus 42 carries for 136 yards and one score on a career-low 3.2 YPC. However, he boasts a uniquely versatile skill set and could yet rebound in greener pastures.

Analysis

Samuel is entering the final year of his contract and carries a $15.9 million cap number. He looked sluggish at times in 2024, finishing the season with just 51 catches for 670 yards and three touchdowns. His 9.1 rushing yards per game were also Samuel's fewest since an injury-shortened 2020 season. Given his pricey contract along with the fact that he turned 29 years old in January and is coming off an underwhelming season, Samuel is unlikely to fetch much more than a mid-round draft pick in any trade.

Analysis

Samuel requested a trade during his exit meeting with the team following the conclusion of the regular season, and San Francisco appears willing to comply with the request. After recording a career-best 77 catches for 1,405 yards with 365 rushing yards over 16 regular-season games in 2021, Samuel has struggled to replicate that production, with his best campaign in the three years since being 2023, when he posted a modest 892 yards on 60 receptions along with 225 rushing yards in 15 regular-season contests. The versatile wideout's ability to work as a ball carrier out of the backfield and to return kicks no doubt adds to his appeal, but Samuel also has dealt with various injuries in recent campaigns, and he's played in 43 of a possible 51 regular-season contests since 2021. Samuel appears to be ready to move on from the 49ers, saying, "It was a hard conversation to have with Kyle (Shanahan) because of the relationship that we have. ... 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."

Analysis

Samuel might've tried to play through his rib and wrist injuries if the 49ers were in playoff contention. As is, he didn't practice this week and won't play in Sunday's game, which could free up more playing time for Ricky Pearsall, Jacob Cowing and Chris Conley behind de facto No. 1 receiver Jauan Jennings. There's no doubt Samuel will be mentioned in trade rumors yet again this offseason, as he has just one year remaining on his contract and is coming off a disappointing campaign for a team that also has Pearsall, Jennings and Brandon Aiyuk (knee) at wide receiver. There's been no indication that the rib or wrist injuries will impact Samuel's preparation for 2025.

Analysis

Samuel has yet to mix into drills this week due to two health concerns and thus may need to practice in some capacity Friday to avoid a designation ahead of Sunday's game at Arizona. With Brock Purdy (elbow) unlikely to play this weekend, Samuel will be on the receiving end of passes from Joshua Dobbs, assuming the wide receiver is active.

Analysis

Since the 49ers' Week 9 bye, Samuel has managed more than 40 yards from scrimmage just two times in eight games, turning 46 touches into 334 total yards and two receiving touchdowns during that span. With a pair of new health concerns in tow, it's unclear whether he may be in danger of missing Sunday's season finale in Arizona, but the next two days of work likely will determine if he has a chance to suit up this weekend.

Analysis

Samuel saw his usage drop back down to levels seen during his horrid second-half slump, but a short touchdown grab helped salvage what would have been a rough fantasy outing. The underperforming superstar carries a 51-670-3 receiving line into the final week of the regular season to go along with 134 rushing yards and a fourth score in 15 starts this year. Samuel will have one more chance to up his offseason free agency bid in Sunday's road tilt against the Cardinals.

Analysis

Samuel finally broke out of the worst slump of his professional career by recording his best fantasy score to date in 2024. The dual-threat receiver also finished with his most rushing yards in a game this year with San Francisco being forced to start a running back (Patrick Taylor) who began the year on the practice squad. It is worth noting that Samuel needed to have his right wrist examined briefly by the medical staff in the second half of Sunday's loss, but he promptly returned to action and finished the contest without issue. With a strong performance under his belt, fantasy managers who may have benched Samuel during his horrid slump can feel better about reinserting the fantasy star into lineups against Detroit next Monday.