The San Francisco 49ers face a critical decision regarding their once-dominant wide receiver, Deebo Samuel. While the dual-threat star isn't the same explosive player he was in 2021—when he racked up an impressive 1,770 scrimmage yards and 14 total touchdowns—many believe a change of scenery could help him revive his career.
For The Win's Cory Woodroof recently shared several offseason predictions, including a scenario in which the 49ers trade Samuel to the Carolina Panthers.
"Samuel, a South Carolina native, could return to the East Coast and help out quarterback Bryce Young the Carolina Panthers as the team's de-facto top receiver," Woodroof explained. "The 49ers land a third-round pick in exchange and go in a new direction at the position, while the Panthers give Young the kind of star presence at receiver he needs to continue his development."
Of course, trading Samuel comes with complications. While the 49ers have permitted him to seek a trade, moving him before June 1 would burden the team with a $31.55 million dead-cap hit, compared to the $15.87 million he's set to count against the cap in 2025. Additionally, a $15.4 million option bonus due on March 22 adds another layer of complexity.
Still, at this point in his career and with just one year left on his contract, acquiring a third-round pick for Samuel wouldn't be a bad return—provided the 49ers can overcome the financial hurdles.
Bosa brother reunion?
Woodroof's predictions also feature a potential Bosa brother reunion in Santa Clara. Nick and Joey Bosa have expressed interest in playing together one day, and this offseason could present their best opportunity.
"It'd be cool at some point," Joey said in June 2024.
The brothers frequently train together during the offseason, providing plenty of time for hypothetical discussions.
"Yeah, we spent every waking hour together the past six months, so obviously, we have conversations like that," Nick stated in October 2020.
The precedent is there, making Woodroof's prediction of the Chargers trading Joey to the 49ers even more intriguing.
"The 49ers need more juice off the edge, and they could look to Nick Bosa's elder brother as the solution," Woodroof explained. "At this point in his career, Joey Bosa would be a much better complementary rusher opposite a superstar. Putting the Bosa brothers together in Santa Clara could spell problems for the rest of the NFL. This feels like a no-brainer for San Francisco, and Los Angeles could add draft capital and free up some additional cap space."
H/t to Peter Panacy of Niner Noise for the find.