In January, San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Deebo Samuel requested a trade, hoping to play elsewhere in 2025. The 49ers granted him permission to seek a trade and await to see if anything materializes.

Of course, a trade would be complicated. Trading Samuel before June 1 would result in over $31 million in dead money, significantly more than his current $15.87 million cap hit. This financial hurdle makes a post-June 1 release a potential option.


Still, CBS Sports' Tyler Sullivan proposed three hypothetical trade scenarios for Samuel, whose stock has declined in recent years. The versatile wideout is coming off his worst statistical season—excluding his injury-riddled 2020 campaign—finishing with just 806 scrimmage yards and four total touchdowns.

"On top of that, Samuel is entering the final year of his contract in 2025, so whatever team acquires him may also need to extend him, which further clouds what he could fetch on the trade market," Sullivan noted.

Here are the three trade proposals:

Trade 1
49ers get: 2025 fourth-round pick (No. 122)
Pittsburgh Steelers get: Deebo Samuel

Trade 2
49ers get: 2025 fourth-round pick (No. 120)
Denver Broncos get: Deebo Samuel


Trade 3
49ers get: 2025 fourth-round pick (No. 107)
New England Patriots get: Deebo Samuel

Each proposal offers only a fourth-round pick, highlighting how much Samuel's value has diminished since his stellar 2021 campaign, when he amassed 1,770 scrimmage yards and 14 total touchdowns, including 1,405 receiving yards. He has failed to surpass 900 receiving yards in any other season.

The Steelers could be a legitimate suitor at the right price. They have previously attempted to trade for Brandon Aiyuk and reportedly inquired about Samuel in the past.

"However, the elephant in the room could be Samuel's desire to ultimately go to Pittsburgh given the franchise's current uncertainty at quarterback with Russell Wilson and Justin Fields set to hit free agency," Sullivan pointed out.

Meanwhile, Samuel recently praised the Broncos organization, fueling speculation that he might be open to playing in Denver.


"The Broncos could use another pass catcher to complement Courtland Sutton and Marvin Mims Jr., and Samuel would be a fascinating chess piece for Sean Payton at the 'joker' position," Sullivan explained. "Given Samuel's prowess to work as a traditional receiver and his ability to line up in the backfield, Payton could have a field day with him in his offense."

Of the three proposals, New England's fourth-round pick is the highest. The Patriots could use Samuel as a versatile weapon to help second-year quarterback Drake Maye.

"New England has the most cap space in the league this offseason, so a trade for Samuel wouldn't preclude them from making other necessary moves to improve the roster and even adding more pass-catching help," Sullivan added.

Would you accept any of these offers for Samuel?

Follow us on: X, Facebook, Threads, Instagram

Read Original Article
Visit 49ers Webzone

More San Francisco 49ers News