Senior NFL insider for The Athletic, Dianna Russini, listed several names that "many around the league are keeping an eye on" as the trade deadline nears. Among those Russini mentioned was 49ers WR Deebo Samuel. The 49ers are not known to be shopping Samuel, but there is a belief around the league that if the team loses the next two, and heads into the bye week at 3-5, GM John Lynch and coach Kyle Shanahan may be willing to part with the star wide receiver/running back/return man.
Samuel's breakout season came in 2021 when he caught 77 passes for 1,405 yards, and six touchdowns. In that season, Samuel had a league-leading 18.2 yards per reception. Samuel also added 365 yards rushing and eight touchdowns on the ground.
This season, Samuel has 20 catches for 335 yards and one touchdown in five games played. He also has one rushing touchdown and has been used more in the running game, due to the injury that has sidelined star running back Christian McCaffrey, and his backup Elijah Mitchell. In his 19 rushing attempts, Samuel has only averaged 2.7 yards, a substantial drop from his career average of 5.9.
The question fans will want answered is if there's a reason people around the league are "keeping an eye on" a possible Samuel trade. Are the 49ers putting out feelers? Would they trade away their "wide back?" It's unlikely, but there have been rumblings for months that the 49ers are willing to trade Samuel, as many believe the 49ers are not willing to pay Samuel and newly-extended WR Brandon Aiyuk.
The 49ers are likely going to give QB Brock Purdy a new contract next offseason. If they are unsure they can keep all of their stars, they may be compelled to make a trade that could be unpopular with many in the fanbase. If the 49ers lose the next two games, things could get interesting. But if they win one or both of the next two, it's unlikely we'll see the 49ers move on from Samuel or any other star player.
Written By:
Speaker. Writer. Covering the San Francisco 49ers. Host of the 49ers Camelot show.
YouTube.com/@49ersCamelot
Find the 49ers Camelot show wherever you listen to your podcasts!
All articles by Marc Adams
@49ersCamelot
YouTube Channel
Marc Adams
Speaker. Writer. Covering the San Francisco 49ers. Host of the 49ers Camelot show.
YouTube.com/@49ersCamelot
Find the 49ers Camelot show wherever you listen to your podcasts!
All articles by Marc Adams
More San Francisco 49ers News
-
49ers named trade fit for Steelers CB Joey Porter Jr. by ESPN insider
ESPN's Jeremy Fowler believes the situation between the Pittsburgh Steelers and cornerback Joey Porter Jr. has reached a tipping point, potentially opening the door for a trade involving the San Francisco 49ers. Fowler believes a Porter trade is realistic, and the cornerback... -
49ers insider identifies 4 potential pass-rush additions for 2026
The San Francisco 49ers recorded just 20 sacks last season, the fewest in the NFL. The team opened the 2026 season with a convincing 27-7 win over the Los Angeles Rams in Melbourne, Australia, but the defense failed to record a sack, which could be a concern given last year's... -
49ers' John Lynch explains Deebo Samuel's expanded role in 2026
The San Francisco 49ers were clear with wide receiver Deebo Samuel when negotiating his return to the team that selected him in the second round of the 2019 NFL Draft. They knew what he was capable of and how to get the most out of the versatile playmaker, making the reunion... -
49ers vs. Dolphins in Week 2: How to watch, stream, and listen, plus odds
The San Francisco 49ers return to Levi's Stadium to face the Miami Dolphins in their first home game of the 2026 season. This matchup marks the 17th meeting between the two teams and the first since 2024, as the 49ers look to improve to 5-4 at home against the...