Deebo Samuel wants out of the Bay Area, and the San Francisco 49ers have granted the wide receiver permission to seek a trade. However, one former NFL star urges Samuel to think twice before leaving the only franchise he's ever played for.
"The grass isn't always greener on the other side," Chad "Ochocinco" Johnson told his Night Cap co-host, Shannon Sharpe, via Joaquin Ruiz of NBC Sports Bay Area. "It's not always greener on the other side, and hopefully, he doesn't find that out, but if he goes to the wrong place, he will."
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Samuel, drafted by the 49ers in the second round in 2019, had a breakout 2021 campaign, tallying an impressive 1,770 scrimmage yards and 14 total touchdowns. However, the versatile wideout hasn't replicated those numbers since.
This past season, Samuel managed only 806 scrimmage yards and four touchdowns for a 49ers team that fell short of expectations, finishing 6-11 and missing the playoffs despite entering the season with Super Bowl aspirations.
Ruiz notes that Johnson and Sharpe expressed concerns that Samuel's unique skillset might not be fully utilized elsewhere. Johnson questioned whether Samuel could find a better offensive play-caller than 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan.
"It's cool. I understand it," Johnson said. "I think about Deebo's skill set, I think about what Deebo brings to the table and how he's such a Swiss Army Knife and can do so many different things from an offensive perspective.
"I would love his creativity -- I don't think there'd be any room for him -- in Kansas City [Chiefs] … there's only one Andy Reid … there's only one Sean McVay. McVay's [Los Angeles Rams] offense would be good for Samuel."
Samuel's trade request adds another layer of complexity to a pivotal offseason for the 49ers. The team is navigating key decisions, including signing quarterback Brock Purdy to an extension, while trying to maintain a competitive roster and bounce back from a disappointing 2024 campaign.
