One San Francisco 49ers move got strong disapproval from All-Pro wide receiver Deebo Samuel.
The NFC champions officially parted ways with longtime defensive lineman Arik Armstead, releasing him on Wednesday at the start of the NFL‘s 2024 calendar year. Samuel’s reaction, however, went viral and sparked debates on his confidence level toward the franchise.
Deebo Samuel Goes to Instagram To React to Arik Armstead Decision
Samuel’s Instagram story post was screenshot and posted first by 49ers Webzone on X (formerly known as Twitter).
Deebo Samuel reacts to the #49ers officially releasing Arik Armstead. 🤔 pic.twitter.com/377sen7gGE
— 49ers Webzone (@49erswebzone) March 13, 2024
By releasing the captain and reliable trench defender Armstead, 49ers insider for The Athletic David Lombardi revealed how much space this now creates for the reigning NFC champions.
“This will open up slightly over $18 million of cap space after June 1. Most of Armstead’s $25.9 million in dead money will hit in 2025,” Lombardi posted.
The decision to officially sever ties with the two-time NFC champion defender came on the same day the 49ers made a deal for his potential replacement. San Francisco traded for defensive tackle Maliek Collins of the Houston Texans — who last played for former 49ers defensive coordinator DeMeco Ryans in 2023.
But tracing back to Samuel, many took to social media to wonder if his future with the franchise remains intact, including one trade rumor.
Insider Shares AFC Contender Was Interested in Samuel
According to Jason La Canfora, NFL insider and radio personality for Inside Access 1057 AM The Fan, the Baltimore Ravens showed interest in trading for the 2021 Pro Bowl wide receiver.
The talk radio show additionally addressed the Ravens’ current cap room and how it could persuade a move to make a deal for an explosive wideout like Samuel. However, they added what the 49ers’ response was when learning about the possible deal.
“With Ravens creating cap room, some of it could be earmarked for a WR,” the radio show’s account posted. “We heard they reached out to SF about Deebo’s availability (that’s a no, at least for now) and are watching Chargers WR situation closely (one getting cut or traded). They obviously need edge help also.”
The Chargers did make one pivotal decision in their WR room Wednesday: releasing longtime wideout Mike Williams, ending a seven-season run for him. Williams could now be considered a target for the Ravens.
The #Chargers are releasing Mike Williams, per multiple reports.
A name to watch for WR-needy teams. 👀 #BoltUp | #NFL pic.twitter.com/d9XHoc7Fo8
— Pro Football Network (@PFN365) March 13, 2024
But still, fans are starting to believe that Samuel could eventually be on his way out of the Bay Area following the Armstead move.
“He’s going to the Texans for sure. DeMeco did Niners a favor with Collins for a lowly 7th round pick. They expecting a favor back,” one fan speculated on X.
Another fan envisioned Samuel and Armstead linking together on another team.
“Deebo and Armstead to Chicago,” the fan shared.
One more fan, who represents the 49ers Faithful, made this strong request involving Samuel.
“Deebo can go to. Hasn’t lived up to his contract and misses games,” the fan said.
KEEP READING: 49ers Star WR Deebo Samuel Changing Jersey Number This Season
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