San Francisco All-Pro Deebo Samuel Requests a Trade Amid Contract Negotiations

San Francisco All-Pro Deebo Samuel Requests a Trade Amid Contract Negotiations

By Liam Willerup | April 20th, 2022

This afternoon, Jeff Darlington of ESPN broke to Twitter that San Francisco 49ers All-Pro “swiss-army knife” receiver Deebo Samuel has requested a trade out of the Bay. This news comes amidst contract negotiations, as it was believed that Deebo Samuel was not receiving the contract he was desiring. The third-year wide receiver from the South Carolina Gamecocks wrapped up a historic season for the 49ers, going for over 1,750 scrimmage yards and scoring 14 total scrimmage touchdowns while lining up both out wide and in the backfield. Samuel proved himself as the league’s most versatile and effective weapon, leading all receivers with 18.2 yards per reception and rushing for 6.2 yards per carry. OTAs and training camps are coming up and it seems like fans shouldn’t expect to see Deebo out there for the Niners. However, the NFL Draft next Thursday provides the 49ers with a unique opportunity to trade Samuel for draft capital that could attempt to fill the void his exit will create. (I would add something about value before draft vs value after with the good crop of receiving talent) Before the draft, John Lynch and the 49ers front office should look to move fast and get the best package they can for a player who’s production seems irreplaceable. So, what teams should the 49ers look towards to make a deal with to get the most for Deebo? 

The Eagles Send Pick 18, 83, 154 and a 2023 2nd Rounder to 

SF for Deebo Samuel

The Eagles seem like a team that would love to acquire Samuel to make their offense even more dynamic. With Jalen Hurts, who rushed for 784 yards last season, and the homerun speed of Miles Sanders, the Eagles would instantly improve their already great rushing attack. On top of that, Deebo would provide Hurts with that #1 wide receiver target that they have been looking for with their recent draft selections. An offensive core of Sanders, Hurts, Smith, Goedert and Samuel, the Eagles surely would be able to reach the playoffs for a second-straight year under HC Nick Sirianni. However, the Niners would probably hope to send him to an AFC team, but this package is one that I feel the Niners couldn’t look away from.

The Ravens Give Lamar A True #1 Wideout, Trading Pick 14, 76 and a Future 3rd

The need to get Lamar a number one wide receiver was definitely quieted by the fact that Mark Andrews had an All-Pro season at tight end. However, I don’t think the Ravens just settle with Marquise Brown as the number one on the depth chart. Deebo seems like a perfect fit for the Ravens, as he’d be able to incorporate himself into their elite run game. This would help lighten the load of Lamar’s legs, allowing him to carve up defenses with a receiving core of Andrews, Brown, Bateman and Samuel. With the return of running back J.K. Dobbins from a season-ending injury, the Ravens should look to help themselves to some additional star power in an AFC conference that is bound to be a bloodbath.

Wildcard: The Saints Trade Former All-Pro Receiver Michael Thomas and a Day 3 Pick for Deebo Samuel

The odds that a trade like this happens are very unlikely in my eyes but not quite impossible. Nonetheless, Michael Thomas has seemed disgruntled in New Orleans, as he hasn’t really played any significant snaps since his record-setting 2019 season where he broke the single-season receptions record. This would allow Thomas to have a new start in San Francisco, where he for sure would regain his elite wide receiver status. With Samuel, he would provide New Orleans with another multi-talented offensive weapon alongside Taysom Hill. New HC Dennis Allen could also just focus on using Samuel as a receiver, as they already have star RB Alvin Kamara commanding the back field. Despite this trade seeming rather unlikely, I think this would be a mutually beneficial swap for both sides.

The Jets Help Aid the Development of Zach Wilson, Trading Pick 10 and 69 for Samuel

Of course a Top 10 pick would be a lot to give up for the Jets, especially for a player in Samuel who has missed 16 games in his three year NFL career so far. However, the Jets would still have pick 4 to add an impact rookie to the team. Many mock drafts are already projecting the Jets to select a receiver like Garrett Wilson or Drake London with the 10th pick, so why not add a player you already know is a star at the NFL level. The Jets would add Deebo alongside Corey Davis and promising 2nd year receiver Elijah Moore. We’ve witnessed the power that star receivers have on developing young quarterbacks, such as Stefon Diggs to Josh Allen, DeAndre Hopkins to Kyler Murray and so on. A top ten pick would allow for the Niners to either draft a top wide receiver or address another need such as corner, linebacker, etc. If the Jets want to get the best out of Zach Wilson, they should go out there and make a splash with this trade.

At the end of the day, the 49ers need to act quickly if they plan on trading Deebo Samuel for draft capital in this year’s draft. It is unfortunate for 49ers fans to see the talented weapon go out, especially after having such a polarizing season. It is uncertain if Deebo will continue to see a similar role on his next team, but his trailblazing season last year definitely paved the way for more players to see a flex role in their offense. For now, expect some news in the coming days of teams pushing to acquire the star for their roster.