Deebo Samuel was one of Brock Purdy’s favorite targets in San Francisco, and he’s not afraid to shout out to the world what he thinks of Purdy’s new contract. Purdy is now the NFL’s seventh-highest-paid quarterback. He signed a five-year, $265 million contract, including $181 million guaranteed, with $100 million fully guaranteed upon signing.
Purdy considered Samuel one of his best friends on the 49ers. They played 40 games together (including playoffs) and hooked up on 160 passes for 2,117 yards and 20 touchdowns. So it’s no surprise that his former teammate, and now Washington Commander, would want to give his old buddy a virtual high five.
From Mr. Irrelevant to 265 Million Dollar Man
Samuel posted on his Instagram story, “Congrats brother!!! Well deserved.” No “Mr. Irrelevant” had previously come close to even mid-double-digit millions per year. Purdy is now the highest-paid “Mr. Irrelevant” passing kicker, Ryan Succop’s five-year, $20 million extension with the Tennessee Titans in February 2018, after joining the team in 2014.
Purdy rocketed to relevancy in 2022. Trey Lance, the Niners’ 2021 first-round pick, opened camp as the starter but broke his ankle in Week 2. Jimmy Garoppolo took over but broke his foot, forcing the Niners to turn to Purdy, who caught fire and won his first five starts. He quickly became a leader in the clubhouse, and his performance convinced general manager John Lynch that he was the Niners’ starter of the future.
For years, Samuel was a mainstay in San Francisco and was used as a “wide back” by head coach Kyle Shanahan. He was also deployed as a receiver and occasionally as a runner. Through 2024, he had 1,143 rushing yards and 21 rushing touchdowns, and 4,792 receiving yards and 22 touchdowns.
He was playing on a three-year $73.5 million extension ($58 million guaranteed) he signed in ’22 and was due to be $17.55 million in ’25 if the Niners picked up his option. However, because of his dual usage, Samuel felt he was underpaid and wanted full guarantees on his contract.
Instead of going through more contentious negotiations, the Niners traded Samuel to the Commanders for a fifth-round pick and ate $31.5 million in dead money against the cap in 2025. Washington picked up Samuel’s option and restructured his contract to guarantee $17 million plus up to $3 million in incentives.
Washington was elite on the ground, averaging 154.1 rushing yards per game thanks to running back Brian Robinson and quarterback Jayden Daniels’ long runs on broken plays. The Commanders scored 28.5 points per game, making them the fifth-best scoring offense in the league.
Samuel is expected to help the Commanders’ passing game, which ranked 18th in the NFL with 231.3 yards per game. Samuel will be the number two receiver behind Terry McLaurin, and his 11.1 yards per touch is expected to bring another explosive element to the Washington offense.
In a moment that captured the hearts of NFL fans, Washington Commanders wide receiver Deebo Samuel Sr. took to social media to celebrate his former San Francisco 49ers teammate, quarterback Brock Purdy, after the latter secured a monumental five-year, $265 million contract extension. The deal, which includes $181 million guaranteed and makes Purdy the seventh-highest-paid quarterback in the NFL at $53 million annually, marks a historic milestone for the former “Mr. Irrelevant.” Samuel’s reaction—a succinct yet powerful four-word Instagram post, “Congrats brother!!! Well deserved”—sent shockwaves through the football community, highlighting the deep bond forged during their time together in San Francisco.
A Brotherhood Forged on the Field
Deebo Samuel and Brock Purdy were more than just teammates during their tenure with the 49ers; they were close friends who formed a dynamic on-field connection. Over 40 games, including playoffs, Purdy targeted Samuel 160 times, resulting in 2,117 yards and 20 touchdowns. This chemistry was a cornerstone of the 49ers’ offensive success, helping the team reach back-to-back NFC Championship games and a Super Bowl appearance in 2024. Samuel, known for his versatility as a “wide back” under head coach Kyle Shanahan, thrived with Purdy’s precise playmaking, racking up significant yards after the catch and becoming a key component of the 49ers’ explosive offense.
Their relationship extended beyond the gridiron. Samuel often spoke highly of Purdy’s leadership and relentless drive for improvement. In a 2024 podcast, Samuel recounted a moment after a 353-yard, two-touchdown performance against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, where Purdy was visibly frustrated, saying, “I just gotta be better.” This mindset, Samuel noted, inspired the entire locker room and underscored why Purdy deserved his massive payday.
Purdy’s Meteoric Rise from “Mr. Irrelevant”
Brock Purdy’s journey to a $265 million contract is nothing short of remarkable. Selected as the final pick in the 2022 NFL Draft, earning the “Mr. Irrelevant” moniker, Purdy defied expectations from the moment he stepped onto the field. Injuries to starters Trey Lance and Jimmy Garoppolo thrust Purdy into the spotlight in his rookie season, and he responded by winning his first five starts, showcasing poise and precision that belied his draft status. Since Week 13 of 2022, Purdy has ranked fourth in QBR (70.2), third in passing yards (9,452), first in yards per attempt (8.9), and seventh in touchdown passes (64), cementing his status as the 49ers’ franchise quarterback.
The $265 million extension, negotiated by agent Kyle Strongin, eclipses the previous high for a “Mr. Irrelevant” contract—kicker Ryan Succop’s five-year, $20 million deal in 2018. Purdy’s contract, with $100 million fully guaranteed at signing, reflects the 49ers’ unwavering faith in his ability to lead, even amidst a challenging 2024 season plagued by injuries to key players like Christian McCaffrey and Brandon Aiyuk. His 23 regular-season wins since 2022 trail only Patrick Mahomes, and his 4-2 playoff record, including a game-winning drive against Green Bay in 2024, underscores his clutch performance.
Samuel’s New Chapter with the Commanders
While Purdy’s star continues to rise in San Francisco, Samuel’s journey has taken him to the Washington Commanders, where he was traded for a fifth-round pick in the 2025 offseason. The move, which resulted in the 49ers absorbing $31.5 million in dead cap space, marked the end of Samuel’s six-year tenure with the team that drafted him in 2019. In Washington, Samuel’s contract was restructured to guarantee $17 million with up to $3 million in incentives, and he now serves as the No. 2 receiver behind Terry McLaurin. His 11.1 yards per touch is expected to add an explosive element to a Commanders offense that ranked fifth in scoring (28.5 points per game) and excelled on the ground with 154.1 rushing yards per game in 2024.
Despite the trade, Samuel’s affection for his former teammates remains evident. His Instagram post celebrating Purdy was one of several heartfelt messages to 49ers players, including Brandon Aiyuk, Trent Williams, and Fred Warner, showcasing the enduring brotherhood from his San Francisco days. Samuel’s message to Purdy, accompanied by a photo of the duo on the field, resonated with fans, who saw it as a testament to their shared success and mutual respect.
A Shocking Yet Heartfelt Reaction
Samuel’s four-word message, while brief, carried immense weight. Described as “shocking” for its emotional impact, it encapsulated the pride and admiration of a teammate who witnessed Purdy’s transformation from an overlooked rookie to a $53 million-a-year quarterback. The post, which included a black heart emoji and a prayer hands emoji, also tagged Purdy directly, ensuring the quarterback felt the love from his former teammate. Fans and analysts alike praised Samuel’s class and loyalty, noting that his reaction transcended team rivalries and highlighted the personal bonds that define the NFL.
The timing of Samuel’s message added to its significance. Posted shortly after the 49ers announced Purdy’s extension on May 17, 2025, it came amidst a whirlwind of offseason changes for San Francisco, including the release of key players like Charvarius Ward, Dre Greenlaw, and Talanoa Hufanga, and the trade of Nick Bosa to the Cleveland Browns. For Samuel, now focused on building chemistry with Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels, the post was a moment to pause and honor a friend who redefined what it means to be “Mr. Irrelevant.”
Looking Ahead: Purdy and Samuel’s Paths Diverge
As Purdy prepares to lead a retooled 49ers roster in 2025, with weapons like George Kittle, Ricky Pearsall, and a recovering Christian McCaffrey, questions linger about his ability to elevate a less star-studded lineup. Critics argue his 2024 stats—3,864 yards, 20 touchdowns, and struggles in adverse weather—don’t fully justify the record-breaking deal. Yet, his knack for maximizing yards after catch and his playoff poise suggest he remains a perfect fit for Shanahan’s scheme.
Meanwhile, Samuel aims to replicate his 49ers success in Washington, where he and Daniels could form a quarterback-receiver duo reminiscent of his days with Purdy. The Commanders’ 12-5 record and NFC Championship run in 2024 signal a promising future, and Samuel’s veteran presence is expected to elevate their passing game, which ranked 18th in the NFL.
A Lasting Legacy of Friendship
Deebo Samuel Sr.’s four-word message to Brock Purdy is more than a social media post; it’s a snapshot of a friendship forged through shared triumphs and challenges. As Purdy embarks on the next chapter of his career with a historic contract, and Samuel carves out a new role in Washington, their bond remains a powerful reminder of the human side of the NFL. For fans, Samuel’s heartfelt words are a celebration of Purdy’s improbable rise and a testament to the enduring connections that define the sport.