Why 49ers trading Deebo would come at steep salary cap cost

Through the second half of the 2024 NFL season, the 49ers seemed a little uncertain about whether it was in the organization's best interest to retain Deebo Samuel on the 2025 roster.But 49ers president of football operations/general manager John Lynch appeared adamant in the immediate aftermath of the season that he did not plan to part ways with Samuel this offseason. "(He is) a good player and has done a ton for this organization, and we're not in the business of letting good players out of here," Lynch said on Jan. 8.Now, Samuel might have made it an easy decision for the 49es with his request to be traded.With Samuel requesting a trade, as he told ESPN, the 49ers will not be seen as disloyal to a player they coached at the Senior Bowl and selected in the second round of the 2019 NFL Draft.Samuel carved out his niche with the 49ers as an all-purpose wide receiver who recorded 1,143 yards and 20 touchdowns as a ball carrier. He had 202 rushing attempts, whether taking handoffs on jet sweeps or lining up in the backfield.Samuel currently is on the books for approximately $15.9 million against the salary cap for the 2025 season. A trade or release before June 1 would cost the...