The NFL trade deadline is just over two weeks away. A few trades have already been made, and some are wondering if the San Francisco 49ers will be trading for another piece to help them make another deep postseason run. But some are wondering if the 49ers might be sellers should they lose the next two games, at home to the Kansas City Chiefs and Dallas Cowboys. Both the Chiefs and the Cowboys are coming off bye weeks, so the 49ers are at a rest disadvantage. Meaning, it's possible, even if unlikely, the team could lose both games.
Senior NFL insider for The Athletic, Dianna Russini, listed several names that "many around the league are keeping an eye on" as the trade deadline nears. Among those Russini mentioned was 49ers WR Deebo Samuel. The 49ers are not known to be shopping Samuel, but there is a belief around the league that if the team loses the next two, and heads into the bye week at 3-5, GM John Lynch and coach Kyle Shanahan may be willing to part with the star wide receiver/running back/return man.
Samuel's breakout season came in 2021 when he caught 77 passes for 1,405 yards, and six touchdowns. In that season, Samuel had a league-leading 18.2 yards per reception. Samuel also added 365 yards rushing and eight touchdowns on the ground.
This season, Samuel has 20 catches for 335 yards and one touchdown in five games played. He also has one rushing touchdown and has been used more in the running game, due to the injury that has sidelined star running back Christian McCaffrey, and his backup Elijah Mitchell. In his 19 rushing attempts, Samuel has only averaged 2.7 yards, a substantial drop from his career average of 5.9.
The question fans will want answered is if there's a reason people around the league are "keeping an eye on" a possible Samuel trade. Are the 49ers putting out feelers? Would they trade away their "wide back?" It's unlikely, but there have been rumblings for months that the 49ers are willing to trade Samuel, as many believe the 49ers are not willing to pay Samuel and newly-extended WR Brandon Aiyuk.
The 49ers are likely going to give QB Brock Purdy a new contract next offseason. If they are unsure they can keep all of their stars, they may be compelled to make a trade that could be unpopular with many in the fanbase. If the 49ers lose the next two games, things could get interesting. But if they win one or both of the next two, it's unlikely we'll see the 49ers move on from Samuel or any other star player.