Deebo Samuel was the San Francisco 49ers' do-everything player in 2021. He caught passes. He ran the football out of the backfield. He even threw a touchdown pass. Samuel amassed 1,770 total yards and 14 total touchdowns last season, not counting the touchdown pass.
On Wednesday, it was reported that Samuel had asked to be traded. NFL insider Ian Rapoport immediately went on NFL Network to discuss the situation after revealing the wide receiver asked to be traded more than a week ago, adding that the relationship soured about two weeks ago, around April 6.
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"[The 49ers] have wanted to make inroads on a long-term extension with Deebo Samuel, want to make him one of the higher-paid receivers in the NFL," Rapoport said. "He has just been, as of now, unwilling to accept or engage in any offer or any discussion. And the reason for that, from my understanding, is he simply wants to be elsewhere.
"And there are some questions and frustrations from his standpoint about his usage. He really is a top receiver. He also takes a lot of hits. He's used like a running back, put all over the field, and it just does not sound like he is comfortable, as of right now, with the way he is being used.
"I'm not sure, at this point, the 49ers are going to trade him. We'll see what they end up doing. They don't have to. They also don't pick until late in the second round, so potentially, if they want a first-round pick, this would be a pretty good way to get one."
Andrew Siciliano asked Schefter to clarify what it means that Samuel is frustrated with his usage. Does that mean he dislikes being utilized as a running back, or would he like to be paid more if he is?
Rapoport admitted that he is unsure about the specifics, adding, "What I was told ... was that he was not comfortable with how the 49ers used him last year. That is what I know. I'm sure there will be more to it, but that is what I know as of now."