In a significant move that has shaken the NFL landscape, veteran wide receiver Deebo Samuel Sr. is set to leave the San Francisco 49ers and join the Washington Commanders. This trade agreement, confirmed by multiple sources, will see the 49ers receiving a fifth-round draft pick in return. The deal, expected to be finalized on March 12th, marks the beginning of a new era for both Samuel and the Commanders.
The decision to part ways with Samuel comes after a series of discussions between the player and team management. Samuel's contract extension from 2022 guarantees him $17.55 million for the 2025 season. However, his performance in recent seasons has not matched the heights he reached in 2021, when he delivered one of the best performances of his career. In 2024, Samuel managed only 670 receiving yards and 136 rushing yards, which raised questions about his future with the 49ers.
This trade reunites Samuel with Adam Peters, who previously held a senior role with the 49ers and now serves as the General Manager of the Commanders. The connection between the two could prove beneficial for Samuel's transition to his new team. Additionally, this move provides quarterback Jayden Daniels with a formidable weapon to complement the already talented Terry McLaurin.
Samuel's arrival in Washington brings renewed optimism for the Commanders' offense. His versatility and experience are expected to significantly enhance the team's playmaking capabilities. While the upcoming season holds many uncertainties, fans and analysts alike are eager to see if Samuel can recapture the form that made him one of the league's top receivers. The coming months will reveal how this trade impacts both teams, but for now, all eyes are on Deebo Samuel's next chapter in Washington.
The NBA has imposed significant penalties on Minnesota Timberwolves star Anthony Edwards following an incident during a recent game against the Los Angeles Lakers. After accumulating his 16th technical foul of the season, Edwards was automatically suspended for one game according to league rules. Additionally, he faced a $35,000 fine from the league on Saturday for delaying his departure from the court and tossing the ball into the stands at Crypto.com Arena.
In Thursday's match, midway through the third quarter, Edwards became visibly frustrated over a non-call, leading to his ejection via a double technical foul. This marked the third time in his career that he has been ejected from a game. The suspension meant Edwards missed the Timberwolves' narrow one-point loss to the Utah Jazz on Friday night. His absence was notably felt, as he had been contributing significantly with 18 points, six rebounds, five assists, and no turnovers before being removed from the Lakers game. None of his teammates had scored more than 10 points at the time of his ejection.
Despite the challenges, the Timberwolves managed to stay competitive until the final moments, even narrowing the Lakers' lead to just three points in the fourth quarter. However, the Lakers ultimately secured a 111-102 victory. Edwards' contributions are crucial for the team, especially this season, where he has averaged career-highs in points, rebounds, turnovers, and minutes per game. His effective field-goal percentage also reached a personal best of .535. The Timberwolves will look to regroup as they prepare for their next game against the Phoenix Suns on Sunday.
While the penalties highlight the importance of maintaining composure on the court, they also underscore the immense pressure and responsibility placed on young stars like Edwards. It is a reminder that even in moments of frustration, professional conduct remains paramount. Moving forward, Edwards and the Timberwolves will need to find ways to channel their energy positively, ensuring that such incidents do not detract from their overall performance and goals.
In a dramatic conclusion to their 2025 preseason campaign, Sporting Kansas City II faced off against UMKC at Swope Soccer Village in Kansas City, MO. The match, which saw a flurry of goals and intense action, ended with UMKC emerging victorious after converting a stoppage-time penalty kick. The final score was 4-3, capping off an exciting preseason for both teams.
The game began with early promise for Sporting KC II as one of their newly signed trialists, David Zavala, scored in the eighth minute. His goal came from a well-executed pass from the left side of the field. However, UMKC quickly responded, leveling the score just before halftime. The first half alone witnessed three goals, setting the stage for an even more thrilling second half.
After the break, UMKC extended their lead, doubling their advantage early in the second half. Sporting KC II, however, refused to back down. They made several substitutions and mounted a spirited comeback, scoring two consecutive goals in the 70th and 73rd minutes. One of these goals was contributed by Gael Quintero, another new addition to the team. Despite their efforts, Sporting KC II's momentum was halted when UMKC was awarded a penalty kick in stoppage time, which they successfully converted to secure the win.
The match showcased not only the skill and determination of both teams but also highlighted the importance of resilience and tactical adjustments. As the preseason comes to an end, Sporting KC II now shifts its focus to the upcoming MLS NEXT Pro Regular Season. Their first match will be against Houston Dynamo 2 on opening week, set to kick off at 7:30 p.m. CT from SaberCats Stadium. Fans can catch the live stream via MLS Season Pass. Six days later, Sporting KC II will host St. Louis City2 at Children’s Mercy Victory Field for their home opener. Tickets for all matches are available at SeatGeek.com starting at just $10.