The answer is pretty simple: Samuel himself asked for a trade early in the offseason. According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, ...

After coming up in trade rumors on multiple occasions over his tenure in San Fransisco, Samuel was traded to Commanders.

The 49ers have agreed to trade wide receiver Deebo Samuel to the Washington Commanders for a fifth-round draft pick.

How big will Purdy's extension be, and will the 49ers be able to return to contention after trading Deebo Samuel?