The San Francisco 49ers‘ offseason took a turn after it was revealed that star receiver Deebo Samuel had requested a trade.
Samuel’s trade request has many speculating on what type of compensation might get a deal done to move Samuel on from San Francisco.
In his latest 2025 NFL mock draft, Patriots Wire’s Jordy McElroy projected New England to pull off a mid-round blockbuster.
McElroy forecasted the Patriots sending their fourth-round pick to the 49ers in exchange for Samuel.
Deebo Samuel is a versatile weapon capable of helping the Patriots at both receiver and running back. The long injury history is a concern, but it’s worth rolling the dice for a fourth-round draft pick. Samuel joining the likes of Tee Higgins, assuming the Patriots pick him up in free agency, and Harold Fannin Jr. would take the offense to new heights. – McElroy, Patriots Wire.
It’s a trade that makes sense for New England. The Patriots get a proven offensive weapon to help quarterback Drake Maye, who was New England’s first-round selection in the 2024 NFL draft.
Is it enough for San Francisco, though? Would the 49ers be willing to part with Samuel for a fourth-round draft pick?
If the 49ers were to work out this deal, San Francisco would suddenly possess eight picks in the 2025 NFL draft’s first four rounds. That’s quite a bit of ammo to try to find some more wide receiver help.
The 49ers will return Brandon Aiyuk from injury next season. San Francisco is also excited about the future of 2024 first-round draft selection Ricky Pearsall.
Jauan Jennings will also be back with San Francisco in 2025 after catching 77 passes for 975 receiving yards with six touchdowns.
Samuel was a first-team All-Pro with the 49ers during the 2021 season as he racked up 1,405 receiving yards and six touchdown catches to go along with 365 rushing yards and eight more rushing scores.
Samuel hasn’t reached those heights since, though he did approach the 1,000-yard receiving mark in 2023 when he caught 60 passes for 892 receiving yards.
In 2024, Samuel’s production dipped relative to his standards. The South Carolina alum reeled in 51 passes—his fewest catches since the 2020 season when he played in just seven games—for 670 yards.