Deebo Samuel’s Trade Request: A Turning Point for the 49ers
SANTA CLARA, Calif. — The San Francisco 49ers are no strangers to drama, but the latest twist in their saga comes from an unexpected source: Deebo Samuel Sr. As the talented wide receiver made his way through radio row in New Orleans, it wasn’t his words that caught everyone’s attention, but rather his attire. Samuel was seen sporting a No. 11 kelly green Philadelphia Eagles jersey, a nod to his close friend A.J. Brown. For 49ers fans, this was a shocking sight, given Samuel’s well-documented disdain for the Eagles.
But the jersey was more than just a fashion statement. It was a harbinger of things to come. In a move that has sent shockwaves through the NFL, Samuel has requested a trade from the 49ers. The team has granted him and his agent, Tory Dandy, permission to seek a trade partner, as confirmed by Samuel to ESPN’s Adam Schefter.
“It was a hard conversation to have with Kyle because of the relationship that we have,” Samuel said. “But I have to do what’s best. I’m more than thankful for the Niners giving me the opportunity of a lifetime but now I think it’s best that we find another team.”
Why Did Samuel Request a Trade Now?
Samuel’s trade request isn’t entirely out of the blue. It’s a strategic move to get ahead of what has seemed like an inevitable split since last offseason. The 49ers’ decision to draft receiver Ricky Pearsall No. 31 overall and extend contracts to wideouts Jauan Jennings and Brandon Aiyuk signaled a shift in priorities. The team was always going to face a choice between Aiyuk and Samuel, and now Samuel is making that decision easier for them.
At 29, Samuel’s performance has waned since his standout 2021 season. He carries a $15.87 million cap charge and is part of a crowded offense, making a departure more logical than ever. In 2022, Samuel had already requested a trade during a contract dispute but ended up signing a three-year, $71.5 million extension. Back then, the 49ers saw him as a versatile player who could unlock their entire offense. In 2021, he amassed 1,770 scrimmage yards and 14 touchdowns, propelling the Niners to a Super Bowl appearance.
However, replicating that success has been a challenge. Over the past three years, Samuel has averaged 56 receptions for 731.3 receiving yards and four touchdowns, with 40 carries for 197.7 yards and three touchdowns. The 2024 season was particularly tough, with Samuel recording career lows in scrimmage yards and touchdowns, aside from a 2020 season marred by injuries. He struggled with calf, wrist, oblique, and rib injuries, as well as an illness that sidelined him for two games.
Most concerning is Samuel’s decline as a running back, averaging just 3.2 yards per carry, a stark contrast to the 6.2 he averaged in 2021. With Aiyuk, Pearsall, Jennings, running back Christian McCaffrey, and tight end George Kittle still in the mix, opportunities for Samuel in 2025 seem limited. This was already an issue last season when Samuel tweeted his frustration about not getting the ball enough.
General manager John Lynch stated in January that the team does not intend to release Samuel, but a request for a pay cut could have been looming given his high cap charge. While parting ways will be tough for the 49ers, it seems like the right time for both sides to move on.
Financial Ramifications of Trading Samuel
The financial aspect of trading Samuel is complex, especially after the 49ers restructured his contract in September. Trading him before June 1 would result in a $31.55 million dead money hit on the salary cap. Samuel is also due a $15.4 million option bonus on March 22, necessitating a resolution before then.
Despite Lynch’s comments, releasing Samuel remains a possibility. If released after the new league year begins on March 12 but before the option bonus is due, with a post-June 1 designation, the dead money hits would be $10.75 million in 2025 and around $20 million in 2026. These hits would be the same if the Niners held on to Samuel past June 1, though they can’t trade him before then and designate it as such.
What Can the 49ers Expect in Return?
Last offseason, the 49ers fielded offers for both Samuel and Aiyuk during contract negotiations. While they had no intention of giving either player away, they were open to the right offer. The offers they received for Aiyuk, believed to be late in the first round or early in the second, were the kind they would have considered for Samuel.
Finding a comparable trade for Samuel is challenging because he isn’t a traditional receiver. When the Buffalo Bills traded Stefon Diggs to the Houston Texans last April, they received a 2025 second-round pick but had to include a 2024 sixth-round selection and a 2025 fifth-round choice. At the time, Diggs was coming off a 107-catch, 1,183-yard, eight-touchdown season.
Given Samuel’s recent struggles and his contract status, a Day 3 draft pick and perhaps another late-round pick might suffice for the 49ers. If the trade market is limited, the Niners may have to settle for less unless they package picks with Samuel.
The 49ers’ Plan at Receiver Post-Samuel
The 49ers’ receiver strategy largely depends on Aiyuk’s recovery from a torn ACL and MCL in his right knee. If Aiyuk is ready for the season, he, Jennings, and Pearsall would form the core receiving group, with Jacob Cowing, Trent Taylor, and Terique Owens as additional options.
Adding to this group will be crucial in the offseason, whether through free agency, the draft, or both. With other significant financial commitments, such as contract extensions for Kittle and quarterback Brock Purdy, a big spending spree on a receiver seems unlikely. However, a midlevel veteran free agent like Robert Woods, Darius Slayton, or Amari Cooper could provide depth and stability until Aiyuk returns. The 49ers might also use a draft pick on a receiver and, given Samuel’s dual role, a running back.
Potential Suitors for Samuel
Any team acquiring Samuel would benefit from using him as a versatile player rather than a traditional receiver. The Washington Commanders, with offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury, could use him alongside Terry McLaurin. The Pittsburgh Steelers, who have been searching for receiver help, might also be interested, especially after previous trade talks with the 49ers regarding Aiyuk. The Houston Texans could be another option, looking for a middle-of-the-field presence alongside Nico Collins.
As the 49ers navigate this pivotal moment, the NFL world watches closely to see where Deebo Samuel will land and how the 49ers will adapt to life without him.
Originally Written by: Nick Wagoner
