Deebo Samuel Sr.’s contract situation is making waves across the NFL, and it appears his time with the San Francisco 49ers could be coming to an end.
While a trade remains the preferred outcome, some insiders believe San Francisco could be forced to release the star wide receiver instead.
Deebo Samuel Sr.’s 49ers Future in Limbo
According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, Samuel confirmed that he requested a trade during his end-of-season meeting with head coach Kyle Shanahan. The 49ers have granted him and his agent, Tory Dandy, permission to explore potential trade options.
49ers insider Akash Anavarathan shared his thoughts on social media, speculating that the team may designate Samuel as a post-June 1 release to manage the salary cap situation efficiently.
“Regarding Deebo Samuel, I expect the #49ers to release him with a post-6/1 designation before the option bonus is due on 3/22,” Anavarathan posted.
The financial breakdown of such a move would be:
- 2025 Dead Cap: $10.75M
- 2026 Dead Cap: $10.75M
- Cap Savings (Post-June 1): Approximately $5 million in 2025
49ers insider Matt Barrows shared similar concerns, noting that Samuel’s ability to refuse to play for certain teams in a trade could force the 49ers’ hand into cutting him outright, leaving them with no compensation in return.
#49ers Insider Matt Barrows believes the team may be forced to release Deebo Samuel with a post-6/1 designation
Barrows cited Deebo’s ability to deny playing for other teams in a trade, forcing Niners hand to release Deebo for nothing in return pic.twitter.com/GvOq4RXp9Z
— 𝙏𝙝𝙚𝙎𝙁𝙉𝙞𝙣𝙚𝙧𝙨 (@TheSFNiners) February 14, 2025
While in New Orleans for Super Bowl week Samuel made rounds wearing an Eagles jersey in honor of his friend, A.J. Brown. For 49ers fans, it was a tough scene to see, especially since Samuel has never shied away from his personal dislike of the Eagles. Being in another team’s jersey was certainly an eyebrow-raiser, but it is not unexpected as he’s pretty set in stone with a trade.
Schefter said that he believes every AFC North team is among those who could emerge as potential landing spots for Samuel. Samuel, who turned 29 years old in January, tallied 51 receptions for 670 yards with three touchdowns over 15 games in 2024. He also rushed for a paltry 3.2 yards per attempt and a score on 42 carries.