CBS Sports: After being traded to the commanders, controversial star sent the 49ers a brutal message.

After the 49ers’ season ended, Deebo Samuel met with head coach Kyle Shanahan and asked for a trade, thus it was no secret that he was expected to be dealt this offseason. After being selected in the 2019 NFL Draft, the former South Carolina standout had already made two Super Bowl appearances with San Francisco and established himself as one of the league’s best wide receivers.

But more quickly and abruptly than many had expected, the deal happened. On Saturday, Samuel was dealt for a fifth-round selection to the Washington Commanders. He now plays for a Washington squad that advanced all the way to the NFC Championship Game, joining Jayden Daniels, the current Rookie of the Year. Samuel still has a deep affection for San Francisco even after asking for the move. He broke his silence and wrote an emotional letter to the group on Monday.

“49ers know where I stand with them and it’s nothing but love.” Samuel made a post. “Love Kyle [Shanahan] and John [Lynch] until the end, without any ill will whatsoever. They are aware of how grateful I am for all they have done for me as a man and a player—nothing but love.”

One of Samuel’s least successful seasons to date, the 49ers missed the playoffs completely last season after making it to the Super Bowl less than two years prior. Only 51 of his receptions resulted in 670 yards and three touchdowns. Samuel has one season left on his deal and will contribute about $17.5 million to Washington’s salary cap the next season. The 49ers, however, have a lot of unanswered concerns about their future strategy going into the offseason, particularly given their outstanding roster that surrounds rookie quarterback Brock Purdy.