"I just checked in on this," Jeremy Fowler said Thursday on ESPN's NFL Live, per Scott Polacek of Bleacher Report. "I was told that several teams have expressed interest, so at least preliminary talks on a potential trade have happened between Samuel, his agent and the team."
However, that doesn't necessarily mean a trade is imminent. Fowler noted that these discussions are likely just exploratory, with teams gauging the situation. Still, having multiple suitors could increase Samuel's trade value, potentially leading to a better return for San Francisco.
Fowler's report contrasts with one from ESPN's Jeff Darlington, who doubts Samuel will generate much in trade value.
"I don't anticipate that the 49ers will get a lot for Samuel because he is also going to have to need to be extended," Darlington said on SportsCenter, again, per Polacek. "And it's pretty clear that the 49ers will likely have to cut him if they don't trade him, so they really don't hold much leverage here."
Trading Samuel would also present financial challenges for the 49ers. A pre-June 1 trade would result in significant dead money against this year's salary cap—twice as much as keeping him. Because of this, many speculate that San Francisco could ultimately release Samuel with a post-June 1 designation, the most cost-effective option.
Samuel is coming off one of his worst seasons, recording just 806 scrimmage yards and four total touchdowns—his lowest single-season totals outside of an injury-shortened 2020 campaign.
H/t to Kyle Madson of Niners Wire for the find.
Related News
More San Francisco 49ers News
-
49ers Special Teams Mistakes Threatening the Quest for Six
The San Francisco 49ers have started the 2026 season with six consecutive victories despite dealing with injuries and close games along the way. With another Super Bowl run in their sights, though, their recent special-teams mistakes are threatening to derail the quest for that... -
49ers named as fit for 3 receiver trades and NFC West pass rusher
With major trades happening across the NFC and the San Francisco 49ers looking to build on their 6-1 start, general manager John Lynch may not be done making moves. The 49ers reunited with DeForest Buckner this week, sending the Colts a 2027 fourth-round draft pick for the... -
49ers get positive injury update on Christian McCaffrey after loss to Falcons
The San Francisco 49ers suffered their first loss of the 2026 season on Sunday, falling 29-20 to the Atlanta Falcons on the road and dropping to 6-1. However, there was some positive news following the Week 7 loss, as the 49ers appeared to avoid any significant new... -
49ers may discuss kicker situation after struggles
Saying kicker Eddy Piñeiro is struggling in his second season with the San Francisco 49ers would be an understatement. Entering Week 7's matchup against the Atlanta Falcons, the veteran had already missed three field goals and three extra points. Piñeiro missed...