Before the season begins, there’s a significant probability the San Francisco 49ers will trade one of Deebo Samuel or Brandon Aiyuk.
Aiyuk and those close to him hinted at a possible trade shortly after the Super Bowl, and the receiver did nothing to quell such rumors. An extension might mean the end for Deebo Samuel, even though it might appease the former first-round pick.
Samuel, a second-round selection in the 2019 NFL Draft, has already racked up a sizable salary, but San Francisco may need to make a difficult financial choice. It’s difficult to see Samuel remaining if they keep Aiyuk.
In any case, it appears that the 49ers are accepting this fact. In the first round of the 2024 NFL round, the team chose wide receiver Ricky Pearsall. Later in the round, they selected another wide out, Jauan Jennings, a seasoned pass-catcher.
Since there are only so many roster spaces available, San Francisco may have to part with one of its best players. According to Albert Breer of Sports Illustrated, Deebo Samuel is the most likely trade target.
49ers Likely To Take Calls For Deebo Samuel Trade
Breer’s reasoning for trading Deebo Samuel is based on the fact that he and Christian McCaffrey have roughly similar skill sets. Aiyuk is more of a conventional WR1, but Samuel is most effective when used out of the backfield and across the field.
This also applies to McCaffrey, the All-Pro running back who runs routes like a receiver and does a good job of working in between the tackles. Furthermore, the 49ers would have $22 million in cap space after dealing Samuel, and they eventually need to pay Brock Purdy.
San Francisco will likely have the best group of pass-catching skill in the league even if the 49ers move Deebo Samuel. One of the best young players in the game is Brandon Aiyuk, one of the best tight ends in the game is George Kittle, and Christian McCaffrey is simply amazing.
There aren’t quite enough trustworthy receivers in the NFL to match demand, and the 49ers have an abundance of pass-catching talent, even before factoring in the potential of first-round choice Ricky Pearsall.
The Two Teams Best Fit
Although Breer doesn’t specify which clubs would be interested in acquiring Deebo Samuel, the Pittsburgh Steelers and Los Angeles Chargers seem like the most logical candidates.
By a wide extent, Los Angeles boasts the weakest group of pass-catching players in the league. Ladd McConkey, a second-round selection, is far from a sure thing, but he might develop into a dependable player.
Although Samuel might be this team’s top running back, he is unquestionably the best receiver. For an innovative offensive coordinator like Jim Harbaugh, who desires to run the ball as much as is physically feasible, this is just one more selling point.
George Pickens is a fantastic young receiver for the Steelers, but they don’t have many other weapons. Although Russell Wilson will be a better quarterback than Kenny Pickett, the current quarterback needs further assistance to lead this club to a lengthy postseason run.
Whatever you think of offensive coordinator Arthur Smith, his ability to get the most out of hybrid players is demonstrated by his success with Cordarrelle Patterson. Don’t be shocked if you see comparable usage this season if the Steelers get Deebo Samuel.
