Deebo Samuel, the new receiver for the Washington Commanders, wants to repay the team’s trust after they guaranteed his contract and made him a key target. The former San Francisco 49ers star said he was motivated by the Commanders’ “quick transformation” as an organization and their young quarterback Jayden Daniels.
Samuel had requested a trade after the season but declined the option bonus that would have allowed him to spread out his cap hit over two seasons. Instead, Washington guaranteed the last year of his contract and added $3 million in incentives, which will cost the team $17.55 million against their cap.
The 29-year-old receiver is eager to prove himself with a fresh start after six seasons with San Francisco. He had told 49ers coach Kyle Shanahan he wanted to be traded, citing his desire for a winner and a good team culture. Samuel praised quarterback Jayden Daniels, who won the NFL’s Offensive Rookie of the Year award this season.
Deebo Samuel is looking forward to helping Washington’s young quarterback Jayden Daniels grow and succeed. He said that his former 49ers teammate Brandon Aiyuk would often talk about Daniels’ future accomplishments.
Samuel is also motivated by the desire to surpass his previous level of performance, as he has been told by others that there is another level he can reach.
Additionally, Washington signed receiver Michael Gallup to a one-year deal, giving him a chance to resurrect his career after being cut by Dallas.
Source: https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/44332564/deebo-samuel-repay-commanders-trust-trade