The San Francisco 49ers traded wide receiver Deebo Samuel to the Washington Commanders on Saturday, ending weeks of NFL rumors regarding the All-Pro’s future with the team. Before dealing Samuel to Washington, San Francisco engaged in trade talks to add a Pro Bowl talent to their defense.
San Francisco is making its defense a top priority this offseason. It started early with the team bringing back Robert Saleh as defensive coordinator, a massive move for Kyle Shanahan. With the architect of the 49ers’ defensive success now back in town, the focus has shifted to giving him more talent to work with.
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There are plenty of needs to address. With Charvarius Ward departing in free agency, San Francisco needs another starting perimeter cornerback. The club is also focused on re-signing linebacker Dre Greenlaw, while also setting its sights in free agency and the 2025 NFL Draft on cornerbacks and defensive linemen. It’s what fueled trade talks they had during the NFL Combine this week.
According to Dianna Russini of The Athletic, part of the 49ers’ negotiations with the Commanders included a potential swap of Samuel for defensive lineman Jonathan Allen.
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Washington granted Allen permission to seek a trade this offseason. The 30-year-old defensive tackle is coming off an injury-plagued season, but he earned consecutive Pro Bowl selections from 2021-’22. In his last healthy campaign, Allen had 19 QB hits, 10 tackles for loss and 5.5 sacks in 2023.
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While Allen wants a new contract, any team that acquires him would likely have him play out the final year of his deal. However, signing him to a multi-year extension would at least lower his cap hit ($22.352 million) in 2025. While he ultimately wasn’t traded to the 49ers as part of the Samuel deal, it’s possible the 49ers and Commanders revisit trade talks this spring.