The 2025 NFL offseason picked up some steam Saturday, when the Commanders traded for 49ers receiver Deebo Samuel Sr. Washington landed the standout pass catcher for a fifth-round pick. It's the first big move as we near free agency, which begins with the legal negotiating window March 10 and officially opens March 12.
ESPN analytics writer Seth Walder is grading every 2025 NFL signing and trade of the offseason, putting each deal into perspective for teams and players. To determine each grade, Walder is evaluating moves based on multiple factors, including on-field impact, salary cap implications, compensation, player value/age and the context of a team's short- and long-term outlooks. How large is the effect of this decision, and how sure are we it's a good or bad choice? How does this affect a team's chance to win the Super Bowl, either this season or in the future?
Follow along as Walder evaluates and grades each move, with the most recent grades at the top. We begin with Samuel's move to the NFC East.
coverage:
Graziano: Big salary cap questions
Bowen: Best fits for top 50 free agents
Schatz: Projecting one signing for every team
Walder: Starting QB predictions
Samuel to the Commanders
Commanders get: WR Deebo Samuel Sr.
49ers get: 2025 fifth-round pick