As the 2024-25 NFL season has come to an end for 30 out of 32 franchises, all attention turns to the offseason. Free agency, trade targets, and the NFL Draft are all major focuses for general managers going into training camp. This is the job of John Lynch for the San Francisco 49ers, and he should strongly consider trading Deebo Samuel this offseason.
Why The San Francisco 49ers Should Trade Deebo Samuel
The NFL is loaded with wide receiver talent right now. It seems as if the talent in the position is at an all-time high. However, life moves fast in the NFL and since there is such much talent at the position, receivers are consistently shifting teams. This will likely be true once again this offseason as these players could be on the trade block.
Deebo Samuel’s Disappointing Year
Frankly, a Deebo Samuel trade would make sense for both Samuel and the San Francisco 49ers. Samuel is coming off of the worst season of his career. The wide receiver had just 51 receptions for 670 yards and 3 touchdowns this season. In the year prior, Samuel had 60 catches, 892 yards, and 7 touchdowns. Samuel has also been a threat on the ground with the Niners offense. In 2023 he rushed for 225 yards and 5 touchdowns on 6.1 yards per carry. These rushing numbers dropped to 136 yards, 3 touchdowns, and 3.2 yards per carry.
Biggest Concern
Perhaps the most concerning part about the wide receiver’s season is that other star wideout Brandon Aiyuk was out for most of the season. Other pass catchers such as Ricky Pearsall and Christian McCaffrey all missed time as well. Yet, Deebo Samuel’s production did not improve. George Kittle and Jauan Jennings emerged as the main two targets for quarterback Brock Purdy this season. The former recorded 1,106 receiving yards while the latter had 975 yards.
49ers POV
From the 49ers’ standpoint, this is the best time to trade wide receiver, Deebo Samuel. He is coming off of a down season and has just one year remaining on his contract. There isn’t a spot in this Niners offense for Deebo anymore. With Brandon Aiyuk returning, Jauan Jennings emerging, and 2024 draft pick Ricky Pearsall playing well, Samuel likely won’t have a huge role. Not to mention tight end George Kittle and superstar running back Christian McCaffrey will get their share of touches. This feels like the perfect time for these two sides to part ways.
Conclusion
A trade always has two sides. It shouldn’t be too difficult for the Niners to find a trade partner for Samuel. So, if Samuel and the 49ers do decide it is time to part ways, what is one possible team that could use Samuel’s services?
The Denver Broncos could be a nice fit for both the franchise and Deebo Samuel. Quarterback Bo Nix and wideout Courtland Sutton showed strong chemistry in the former’s rookie season. However, nobody else stood out in the Broncos offense. Sutton was consistently the main threat on the field. The Broncos also had a lackluster running game this year. Samuel could help fill both of these holes.
Main Photo: Sergio Estrada-Imagn Images
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