The San Francisco 49ers are guaranteed to experience roster turnover this winter. But how drastic will that turnover be?
And, perhaps most importantly to the fan base, will Deebo Samuel get swapped out somewhere in the shuffle?
It was a disappointing year for Samuel, the sixth-year 49ers wideout who was a first-team All-Pro in 2021. He had career-lows in yards per game and receiving success rate, finishing the year with 670 yards and three touchdowns.
Entering the final year of a three-year, $71 million extension, there’s been chatter that Samuel could be on his way out, either by trade or outright release. But would the 49ers be bold enough to make that move, given how valuable he’s been to the franchise in the past?
Bleacher Report’s Alex Kay believes it is at least a distinct possibility. On Friday, Kay discussed the likelihood that teams in search of receiving help could still give the 49ers a sizable return for Samuel in a trade.
“(Samuel is) still on the right side of 30 and could be rejuvenated with a change of scenery,” Kay wrote.
“Teams like the Washington Commanders and Pittsburgh Steelers—two playoff teams with a notable lack of pass-catching depth—might be willing to pay a premium for Samuel. He’d be an ideal addition to any contender’s receiving corps as a big-time playmaker who could help with a Super Bowl push.”
Trading Samuel and getting a solid draft pick haul rather than cutting him to save a few million bucks is obviously a vastly preferable option. And San Francisco could still decide to keep him, even at his high price tag, if they believe he has a rebound season in store.
Either way, the 49ers’ statements regarding Samuel between now and the trading window opening on Mar. 12.
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