Star receiver Deebo Samuel may be on the move, as the San Francisco 49ers are reportedly considering trade options for the talented wideout. According to NFL insider Ian Rapoport, the team is expected to explore potential deals involving Samuel during the offseason. While it remains uncertain whether Samuel’s time in San Francisco is truly over, the possibility of a split seems to be on the table, with both parties appearing open to the idea of parting ways if necessary.
Deebo Samuel, now 29, has been a pivotal figure in the 49ers’ offense since being drafted in 2019. He earned first-team All-Pro honors in 2021 and played a crucial role in helping the team reach the Super Bowl in 2024. His versatility has made him a standout player, showcasing his skills not only as a top receiving option but also as a significant threat in the run game and special packages. Over his career, Samuel has accumulated impressive stats, including 5,935 all-purpose yards, 22 receiving touchdowns, and 20 rushing touchdowns in just 81 games.
However, the past season marked a downturn in Samuel’s performance. He experienced the worst statistical year of his career, aside from the injury-plagued 2020 season. With only 670 receiving yards and 136 rushing yards, his production fell short of expectations. To make matters worse, he managed just four combined touchdowns, the lowest total of his career. This decline has led to speculation about his future with the team.
In December, Samuel expressed his frustrations through social media, posting, "Not struggling at all, just not getting the ball!" accompanied by a shrugging emoji. Although he later deleted the post, it highlighted his dissatisfaction with the lack of involvement in the offense. When questioned about the post, Samuel admitted, "I’m a little frustrated for sure," indicating that all was not well behind the scenes.
The 49ers have also made moves that could signal a shift in their receiving corps. Last August, they extended fellow receiver Brandon Aiyuk, who spent a significant portion of the previous season sidelined. Additionally, the team drafted Ricky Pearsall in the first round last summer, and he made an impressive impact upon his return from injury. In Week 17, Pearsall recorded 141 receiving yards, the highest by a Niners rookie since Jerry Rice’s legendary 241-yard game in 1985.
General manager John Lynch previously stated that the plan was to bring Samuel back for the next season. "He’s a good player and has done a ton for this organization. We’re not in the business of letting good players out of here," Lynch remarked in January. Yet, with the recent developments, it appears that the team’s stance may have shifted.
Samuel is currently in the final year of a three-year, $71.55 million contract extension he signed in 2022. As the offseason approaches, the 49ers will need to weigh their options carefully. Will they keep a player who has been instrumental in their success, or will they decide to move on and explore new possibilities?
The question now is: what does the future hold for Deebo Samuel? Will he remain a key component of the 49ers’ offense, or will he find a new home in the league? The answers to these questions will undoubtedly shape the direction of the team as they look to build on their recent successes.
As fans, we can’t help but feel a mix of excitement and anxiety at the thought of such a talented player potentially leaving the franchise. Samuel has brought so much energy and skill to the field, and his departure would leave a significant void. However, the NFL is a business, and tough decisions often have to be made.
In the coming weeks, all eyes will be on the 49ers’ front office as they navigate this delicate situation. Will they prioritize Samuel’s contributions and attempt to revitalize his role in the offense, or will they seize the opportunity to trade him and potentially gain valuable assets in return? As the offseason unfolds, the answers will become clearer, but for now, the uncertainty looms large.
In the world of the NFL, change is constant, and the fate of players can shift in the blink of an eye. Deebo Samuel’s journey with the San Francisco 49ers may be nearing a crossroads, and fans will be eagerly watching to see how this story unfolds. Will he remain a beloved member of the 49ers, or will he embark on a new chapter elsewhere? Only time will tell, but one thing is for sure: the NFL landscape is always full of surprises.
