The San Francisco 49ers broad receiver overhaul is underway following Saturday’s commerce with the Washington Commanders. The 49ers are sending Deebo Samuel to the Commanders in trade for a 2025 fifth-round draft decide.
Samuel has seemingly been on the best way out of San Francisco for the reason that offseason started. He not solely requested a commerce, however the 49ers appeared comfortable to oblige the request and seemed ready to maneuver on from him a method or one other. On Saturday, it occurred.
Additionally it is a considerably pricey transfer for them.
Despite the fact that the Commanders are paying all of Samuel’s $17 million wage for the 2025 season, the 49ers are going to be on the hook for a $31 million useless cap quantity, with all of it to be absorbed this season.
Despite the fact that the 49ers nonetheless have loads of wage cap room to work with this offseason, that useless cash hit will put a giant dent into their offseason plans.
The choice to that might have been merely releasing Samuel earlier than he was due a $15 million roster bonus on March 22 with a post-June 1 designation. That may have allowed the 49ers to spread the dead cap number over two seasons, with solely $10 million on the books for this season and greater than $20 million on the books subsequent season.
The 49ers might need been pondering that it’s higher to get the dead-money hit out of the best way unexpectedly and never have to fret about something subsequent season, particularly when quarterback Brock Purdy will doubtless be enjoying below a brand new and much dearer contract than he at the moment is.
Both method, it’s removed from a super state of affairs for the 49ers.
Not solely are they dropping a participant that has been a key a part of their offense over the previous 5 years, however they obtained an especially small return and are actually on the hook for a huge cap quantity that’s being occupied by no person this season. Additionally they nonetheless should discover a alternative for Samuel, whereas additionally deciding if they’re going to preserve Brandon Aiyuk or critically entertain the commerce calls they’ve reportedly obtained on him.
