The San Francisco 49ers could trade All-Pro wideout Deebo Samuel on Day 2 of the NFL Draft. In fact, longtime Bay Area columnist Mike Silver expects it to happen.
Moments ago, Silver made it known on social media that he believes the 49ers will trade Samuel.
“Play this out: 49ers don’t trade Deebo. They pay Aiyuk. Deebo then has a lame-duck season in which watches his successor, and the incumbent receiver they chose over him, be focal points of the offense,” Silver wrote. “Seems awkward. I expect a trade.”
Earlier this Friday, Silver reported that San Francisco is hoping to get at least a second-round pick in return for Samuel.
From the San Francisco Chronicle:
According to multiple front-office and coaching sources from teams that had been negotiating potential swaps with the 49ers, it’s Samuel who is likely to be the odd man out. A deal could come together before the start of Friday’s second round, or perhaps when a trading partner is on the clock. The 49ers are believed to be seeking second- and third-round selections for Samuel, a first-team All-Pro in 2021.
For what it’s worth, 49ers general manager John Lynch gave a very political answer when asked about potentially trading one of his top wide receivers.
“Never close the door on a trade,” Lynch said. “I mean, we’ll always listen and we have. But we like our group as it stands.”
Since entering the league in 2019, Samuel has hauled in 283 passes for 4,122 yards and 19 touchdowns. He also has racked up over 1,000 rushing yards.
Samuel is being linked to the New England Patriots. It’s possible another team enters the sweepstakes over the next few hours.