Veteran WR on the Move; Plus, the Buzz On Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins: The Fantasy Notebook
By Bob Harris - Exclusive to Footballguys
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Welcome to the weekly Fantasy Notebook, the must-stop spot for keeping your finger on the pulse of Fantasy Nation. NFL news and developments drive fantasy values. The Notebook is here to keep you in the loop on all of it throughout the season.
Some Final Truths Before "The Season Of Lies"
I'm no draftnik. Fortunately, we've got plenty of those on staff. Our Rookie Draft Guide showcases their collective expertise, and you can download Version 1.0 for free right now. Soon, Version 2.0 will be available, complete with updated profiles and rankings incorporating all the key data from last week's NFL Scouting Combine.
While I'm not here to break down 40-yard dash times or vertical jumps, the Combine isn't just about player performances. It's also the last time we get something close to the truth from head coaches and general managers before they retreat into pre-draft mode -- what Footballguy Cecil Lammey aptly calls "the season of lies."
At the Combine, coaches and GMs drop hints -- some smoke, some substance -- about rosters and player roles. Sometimes they even foreshadow imminent developments. Fantasy managers who read between the lines can get ahead before the draft frenzy begins.
Let's dive in . . .
Deebo Traded To Commanders
San Francisco general manager John Lynch confirmed negotiations are underway for a Brock Purdy extension when he spoke Wednesday in Indianapolis. Lynch added the club was also exploring trading Deebo Samuel Sr.
The Samuel trade moved faster than Purdy’s extension talks.
The 49ers agreed to send the standout wide receiver to the Washington Commanders in exchange for a fifth-round pick on Saturday.
Like all trades agreed to now, this one won’t be official until the new league year begins on March 12.
Samuel requested a trade during his exit meetings with the team after the season.
"It was a hard conversation to have with [head coach] Kyle [Shanahan] because of our relationship," Samuel said on February 9. "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."
The 29-year-old Samuel became a high-end producer in Shanahan's scheme, sometimes playing both running back and wide receiver -- or "wideback," as Samuel described the unique role.
Over his first six seasons, Samuel has produced 5,935 scrimmage yards and 42 scrimmage touchdowns as the first-ever receiver with 20-plus receiving and rushing touchdowns.
But Samuel has declined over the past three seasons, and is coming off arguably his worst year: 51 receptions for 670 yards and three touchdowns, plus 136 rushing yards and one rushing score.
Nearly all those numbers are career lows aside from an injury-shortened 2020 campaign.
Still, fresh starts often bring optimism (if not results) . . .
What Should We Expect In Washington?
The move will reunite Samuel with former 49ers assistant general manager Adam Peters, who now serves as the Commanders GM.
More importantly, the Commanders have added another weapon for quarterback Jayden Daniels.
Washington's offense ranked fifth in scoring and seventh in yards last season -- the first time it has finished top 10 in both categories since 2012 -- leading the team to the NFC Championship Game.
But as ESPN.com's John Keim notes, four of the Commanders' top six receivers from 2024 are pending free agents.
They also lacked a consistent second option alongside Pro Bowl receiver Terry McLaurin. Multiple players filled that role last season: Noah Brown, Dyami Brown, and Olamide Zaccheaus. All three are potential free agents.
Washington averaged 5.1 yards after the catch last season, ranking 21st. Samuel has excelled on underneath routes and averages 9.0 yards after the catch for his career.
That should only help Daniels, the runaway offensive rookie of the year. He threw for 3,568 yards and 25 touchdowns.
A splashy addition won't do anything to diminish Daniels' current QB3 ADP on Underdog -- or his initial QB1 projection here at Footballguys.
Should McLaurin investors be worried? Not according to Establish The Run's Pat Thorman. . .
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