The San Francisco 49ers have granted Deebo Samuel permission to seek a trade, making it increasingly likely that the versatile wide receiver will wear a different uniform in 2025. While trading Samuel comes with unique challenges—which I'll explain shortly—there's a compelling argument from a roster-building perspective that he has become somewhat expendable.
The 49ers' top offseason priority is securing a contract extension for quarterback Brock Purdy. The future of the roster hinges on the details of that deal. Purdy is expected to land the biggest contract in franchise history, significantly reducing the salary-cap flexibility the 49ers have enjoyed while he's been on his rookie contract.
Meanwhile, Samuel's production and impact have declined since his dominant 2021 season, when he amassed 1,770 scrimmage yards and 14 total touchdowns. In 2024, he managed just 806 scrimmage yards and four touchdowns—his lowest totals since an injury-plagued 2020 campaign.
"We told you two months ago that the team's bottleneck of big contracts in 2025 was going to force tough decisions," wrote Albert Breer of Sports Illustrated, "and, much as they love Samuel, his injury history, declining production, contract status (with a big, non-guaranteed number for next year, and his contract expiring after that), and San Francisco's depth of investment at the position made the former first-team All-Pro the most logical first piece to move."
Samuel is set to count $15.87 million against the salary cap in 2025, the final year of his contract. However, he requested a trade during the 49ers' exit meetings after the season, and the team appears at least open to exploring the possibility.
Trade challenges and financial hurdles
If the 49ers trade Samuel before June 1, they'll absorb a significant $31.55 million dead cap hit. That number drops to $10.75 million if they part ways after June 1.
Unfortunately, while a post-June 1 release designation allows teams to spread out cap hits, no such option exists for trades. This has led Breer to speculate that cutting Samuel might be a more realistic possibility.
Of course, this contradicts what general manager John Lynch said during the 49ers' end-of-season press conference. When asked if Samuel would be on the 2025 roster, Lynch reminded reporters that the receiver is under contract.
"A good player and has done a ton for this organization," Lynch said. "We're not in the business of letting good players out of here."
Preparing for life without Samuel
It seems the 49ers anticipated this moment. Knowing that either Brandon Aiyuk or Samuel could eventually leave, they used a first-round draft pick last year on wide receiver Ricky Pearsall. They then locked up Aiyuk with a long-term extension, signaling that Samuel might be an expendable luxury.
Breer added, "After that, it'll be tough to hang on to pending free agents Charvarius Ward, Dre Greenlaw and Talanoa Hufanga for sure; they'll have to figure out where Trent Williams is at for next year; George Kittle is headed into a contract year; and then there'll probably be some more cap gymnastics to perform to make it all work."
The 49ers face a critical offseason, balancing financial realities while trying to maintain a competitive roster. With key decisions ahead, the upcoming draft will be crucial for adding affordable talent as they look to rebound from a disappointing 6-11 season.