San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Deebo Samuel Sr. looks to be on the move from his club after requesting a trade. Samuel has spent his entire six-year career with the 49ers and has earned Pro Bowl and first-team All-Pro honors. He’s also been to a pair of Super Bowls and four NFC Championship games.
San Francisco is granting Samuel’s wish and allowing him to look for a trade partner, which will let him get a fresh start with a new team.
Deebo Samuel Sr. Had Tough Discussion on Trade Request
While Samuel had requested a trade from the 49ers before, back in 2022, this time it’s different. San Francisco will be letting the wide receiver look for a new home.
He had to let head coach Kyle Shanahan know of his decision to want to leave the 49ers, and that chat was not an easy one for Samuel.
“It was a hard conversation to have with Kyle because of the relationship that we have,” Samuel told ESPN’s Adam Schefter. “But I have to do what’s best. I’m more than thankful for the Niners giving me the opportunity of a lifetime but now I think it’s best that we find another team.”
The soon-to-be 30-year-old wide receiver has taken a step back. This past season, he had only 51 receptions for 670 yards and three receiving touchdowns in 15 games.
— Deebo (@19problemz) February 9, 2025
Schefter added to his report about Samuel wanting out of San Francisco with a timeline of the events.
“Samuel said he asked for that permission [of a trade] after his exit meeting at the end of the season,” Schefter said. “The 49ers took some time and thought about. This past week, general manager John Lynch called to inform him and his agent that they have permission to find a new trade partner.”
Matthew Stafford new contract or new team? 👀
Where will Deebo Samuel and Cooper Kupp land? 😯 @AdamSchefter has more NFL off-season headline updates ✍️ pic.twitter.com/wEMGp02on9
— NFL on ESPN (@ESPNNFL) February 9, 2025
Will There Be a Market for Samuel?
The news of Samuel wanting out of San Francisco sparked quite a reaction from those who cover the NFL. The discourse ranged from his playing ability, value as a wide receiver, and what would be a good fit.
The San Francisco Standard’s Tim Kawakami doesn’t see many suitors lining up for Samuel.
“Let’s see how it plays out,” Kawakami said. “I don’t think they’re going to get a lot of bidding in the trade market.”
I think Shanahan has been VERY reluctant to give away Deebo for less than his value to the 49ers.
That's still Shanahan's guy. Let's see how it plays out. I don't think they're going to get a lot of bidding on the trade market. https://t.co/dCxTArVKXA
— Tim Kawakami (@timkawakami) February 9, 2025
“The Denver Broncos should trade for Deebo Samuel. [Head coach] Sean Payton said he needs a ‘Joker’ who can be an elite receiver who can play RB/TE,” former NFL quarterback Robert Griffin III said. “Create mismatches and own the middle. That’s Deebo. Sean Payton will understand how to use his versatility and get him back to his YAC Attack.”
CBS Sports Bay Area Anchor Matt Lively saw “the turning point for Deebo Samuel this year.” It came when he was dropping passes, especially when “fans booed him” when he wasn’t making plays.
This was the turning point for Deebo Samuel this year. His approach with the media was different after this, especially coming off his not enough touches tweet.
Fans booed him after this drop and I’m sure he heard it loud and clear. pic.twitter.com/ME3Va6Ov3X
— Matt Lively (@mattblively) February 9, 2025
It will be interesting to see if Samuel can regain his All-Pro form from the 2021 season, where he had 77 catches for 1,405 yards and six receiving touchdowns. That same year, he had another eight rushing touchdowns on 365 yards and threw for one touchdown pass.
Perhaps a new team can help him become an elite wideout once again.