The San Francisco 49ers have been mired in an offseason drama surrounding whether or not they can trade quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo. Now it seems they’re going to have to focus on a potential blockbuster trade surrounding Pro Bowl receiver Deebo Samuel as their disgruntled star player has demanded one.
“I just spoke to wide receiver Deebo Samuel — and he told me that he has asked the 49ers to trade him,” wrote ESPN’s Jeff Darlington on Twitter. “He did not want to discuss specific reasons behind his request, but he has indeed let the 49ers know his desire to leave the organization.”
Breaking News: I just spoke to wide receiver Deebo Samuel — and he told me that he has asked the 49ers to trade him.
He did not want to discuss specific reasons behind his request, but he has indeed let the 49ers know his desire to leave the organization. More to come.
— Jeff Darlington (@JeffDarlington) April 20, 2022
Samuel and the Niners have been at a negotiation impasse for a bit now. The team’s second-round pick in 2019, Samuel is entering the final year of his rookie contract and is looking for an extension. He is not expected to report to voluntary offseason workouts this spring and he has removed anything 49ers-related from his social media for the time being.
The Pro Bowler is coming off a season in which he garnered 1,405 receiving yards, six touchdown passes, and eight rushing touchdowns, the latter of which is an NFL record for a receiver. He’s likely looking for something comparable to what Davante Adams ($28.5 million per season) and Tyreek Hill ($30 million per season) received this offseason.
Adam Schefter was quick to point out that while Samuel can request the trade, San Francisco is under no obligation to do so.
Just because Deebo Samuel has requested a trade, as @JeffDarlington reported, doesn’t meant the 49ers have to make one. But it is, at the very least, one more gigantic subplot to mix into Draft week, with other teams now figuring out ways to land one of the league’s top weapons. pic.twitter.com/Ag8PwkciOK
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) April 20, 2022
Still, it’s the latest subplot in an NFL offseason absolutely loaded with wild ones. And NFL Twitter went nuts with the news that yet another star player is trying to force their way out of town because they can’t get the deal they want. The biggest takeaway seemed to be that just about every NFL team should be kicking the tires on a potential trade for this budding superstar.
I put together a graphic of every NFL team that should try to trade for Deebo Samuel. pic.twitter.com/grE9WpypPJ
— Field Yates (@FieldYates) April 20, 2022
since Deebo Samuel was drafted in 2019 he…
has been a WR for the #2 most run-heavy offense
has been a WR for the #2 lowest target depth offense
but he…
ranks #1 in yds after the catch (9.8)
ranks #1 in yds after contact per rush (4.6)
in a more pass-centric offense?
🚀
— Warren Sharp (@SharpFootball) April 20, 2022
Can’t see #49ers moving him while trying to give Trey Lance best chance to succeed. He is so good. So unique in his ability to run the ball. He would make any team better. Jets finished second for Tyreek Hill as a reminder. #Denver7 https://t.co/cmkTTNilxB
— Troy Renck (@TroyRenck) April 20, 2022
Deebo is an elite NFL WR. Not a product of SF offense at all. He is a star. Very uniquely gifted. Would be a massive loss for SF https://t.co/09kFPB8eB2
— Jon Ledyard (@LedyardNFLDraft) April 20, 2022
The #Jets have already shown they are not afraid to use significant draft capital + financial muscle to land a big time WR
Obviously Deebo was with Mike LaFleur for two years
Very interesting to know what else Deebo’s side wants, besides just $ (contender? top QB to pair with?) https://t.co/EWsDYkn9dq
— Connor Rogers (@ConnorJRogers) April 20, 2022
This should be a lay-up for Trent Baalke to prove he’s taking Trevor Lawrence’s development seriously. https://t.co/5PjTX62jYy
— Zach Goodall (@zach_goodall) April 20, 2022
GB/KC/NYJ are 3 obvious landing spots https://t.co/02mZ11R8jM
— Mike Tannenbaum (@RealTannenbaum) April 20, 2022
A lot of football folks want to complain about the transfer portal in college football, but this NFL offseason seems to have put those machinations to shame. We’ll see whether or not the Niners decided to trade Samuel or if they can find a way to work it out and give Trey Lance the weapon he needs to succeed.