Rapoport: 49ers expected to explore trading Deebo Samuel

According to NFL insider Ian Rapoport, the San Francisco 49ers are expected to explore trading star wide receiver Deebo Samuel this offseason.

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"Sources say the 49ers are expected to explore trading Samuel this offseason," Rapoport wrote. "While it's not a certainty that Samuel is done in San Francisco, it's enough of a possibility that both sides appear to be at peace with moving on if it goes that way."

Following the season, general manager John Lynch was asked if Samuel would remain on the roster in 2025. He told reporters the 49ers intend to bring the star receiver back.

"A good player and has done a ton for this organization," Lynch said, noting that Samuel is still under contract. "We're not in the business of letting good players out of here."

Samuel is entering the final year of his contract and is scheduled to count $16 million against the salary cap, per OverTheCap.com. This past season, he recorded just 806 scrimmage yards and four total touchdowns—his least productive season since an injury-plagued 2020 campaign.

The 49ers used their first-round pick last year on wide receiver Ricky Pearsall, who missed the start of the season after being shot in the chest during a robbery attempt. Despite the setback, Pearsall showed flashes of potential once he returned to the field.

San Francisco also signed wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk to a massive contract extension before last season. Aiyuk's season ended prematurely due to a torn ACL, but he is expected to return next season.

The 49ers finished the 2024 season with a 6-11 record. With quarterback Brock Purdy expected to land the largest contract in franchise history, the team may face tighter salary cap constraints moving forward, making keeping high-priced veterans like Samuel challenging.