Jason La Canfora of 105.7 The Fan recently reported that the Baltimore Ravens had contacted the San Francisco 49ers regarding star wide receiver Deebo Samuel's availability. He noted that, for now, the 49ers are not interested in such a deal.
With @Ravens creating cap room, some of it could be earmarked for a WR. We heard they reached out to SF about Deebo availability (that's a no, at least for now) and are watching Chargers WR situation closely (1 getting cut or traded). They obviously need edge help also
— InsideAccess1057 (@IA1057TheFan) March 13, 2024
On Thursday, Ravens general manager Eric DeCosta was asked about his team's interest in the versatile player. He stated there was no truth to La Canfora's report, even likening it to a children's story.
RELATED Rumor: Ravens reached out to 49ers about Deebo Samuel trade
"That specific report—I read The Lorax last week at a local elementary school. I would probably put that report similar to that," DeCosta said, per Pro Football Talk.
While there's no indication that the 49ers are actively seeking to trade Samuel, there was much discussion about the star player at the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis. Impending negotiations for wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk's contract extension might have contributed to that.
Aiyuk is next in line to earn a significant deal from the Bay Area team. Samuel signed a three-year, $73.5 million extension before the 2022 season, leading many to speculate if the 49ers can afford to pay top dollar to two wide receivers.
Samuel is slated to earn nearly $21 million in base salary for the 2024 season and will count for $28.6 million against this year's salary cap. While he is signed through 2025, the 49ers can exit the deal after the upcoming season.
