RELATED
Trading Samuel would create significantly more dead cap space than simply keeping him for the final year of his contract. That financial burden has led many to believe that releasing him—with a post-June 1 designation—is the only realistic option for the 49ers. ESPN's Dan Graziano shares that belief.
The national reporter begins his analysis of the saga by stating that the 49ers cannot realistically afford to trade Samuel.
"Because of the way they've restructured Samuel's deal over the years, the 49ers would take on $31.55 million in dead money cap charges for 2025 if they traded Samuel," Graziano explained. "That number would go up to about $47 million if they traded him after his March 22 option bonus came due, so this will obviously play itself out before then."
That $47 million figure includes the $31.6 million in dead cap if Samuel is traded before June 1, plus the $15.4 million option bonus. Graziano believes this leaves the 49ers with just one viable path—spreading the cap hit over two seasons.
"Releasing Samuel before March 22 and designating him as a post-June 1 cut is the only reasonable way for the 49ers to go here," Graziano wrote. "It would result in a dead cap hit of roughly $10.75 million this season, and the remaining $20.8 million or so in dead money would go on their 2026 cap."
The 49ers likely wouldn't receive much in return for Samuel anyway. Other teams recognize that a release might be the only realistic option for general manager John Lynch and head coach Kyle Shanahan.
Additionally, Samuel's trade value has plummeted since his breakout 2021 campaign, when he amassed 1,770 scrimmage yards and 14 total touchdowns. This past season, he managed just 806 scrimmage yards and four touchdowns, including only 670 receiving yards—a steep drop from his All-Pro form.
At this stage in his career, most believe the 49ers would be lucky to get anything more than a Day 3 pick in a trade.
Related News
More San Francisco 49ers News
-
Saquon Barkley praises 49ers RB Christian McCaffrey: 'He's one of the best to ever do it'
Saquon Barkley will aim to run over the San Francisco 49ers defense on Sunday, hoping to help his Philadelphia Eagles advance to the Divisional Round of the playoffs. His counterpart, 49ers star running back Christian McCaffrey, will look to do the same. Though they'll be... -
Recap: 49ers dominated by Seahawks defense, fall 13-3 in battle for number one seed
No NFL offense was hotter than the San Francisco 49ers coming into their season finale showdown against the Seattle Seahawks at Levi's Stadium on Saturday night, but what looked like an irresistible force before the game came up empty when they ran into an immovable object in... -
One 49ers player makes feelings on Seahawks rematch very clear
One San Francisco 49ers player is ecstatic to keep his season alive after Sunday's Wild Card win over the Philadelphia Eagles. The victory sets up a Divisional Round showdown against the Seattle Seahawks next weekend—an opportunity for the 49ers to avenge their Week 18 loss... -
These 7 49ers players are inactive vs. Eagles
The San Francisco 49ers have released the list of inactive players for their Wild Card playoff matchup against the Philadelphia Eagles. These seven players will not suit up for the game. Inactives: LB Luke Gifford (quadricep) DL Kevin Givens RB Isaac Guerendo CB Chase...