The San Francisco 49ers should not trade Deebo Samuel.
Samuel emerged as the engine behind Kyle Shanahan’s offense in 2021. His ability as a receiver, runner and all-around playmaker drove a Jimmy Garoppolo-led San Francisco team to the NFL’s final four. His penchant for sending defenders spiraling out of control allowed him to lead the league in yards per catch, despite playing alongside a quarterback whose average pass went only 7.5 yards downfield — 22nd-best in the NFL.
The 49ers have time to work out an extension with their All-Pro do-it-all wideout. He’s under contract for the 2022 season. He can be franchise tagged in 2023. That’s also the year Garoppolo’s hefty contract slides off the books, giving the team an estimated $59 million in spending room to work out a big money extension with its 26-year-old star.
But Samuel reportedly wants out. In a new era of player movement and an offseason where Davante Adams and Tyreek Hill have already changed teams, that can’t be ignored. The Niners have a lot of runway to work on a trade if they feel that’s the only option at this point. They also know they can hold out for a package headlined by first- and second-round draft picks to match the hauls the Packers and Chiefs got for their WR1s.
San Francisco has likely been inundated with calls after reports of Samuel’s unhappiness emerged. Who are the likely suitors? A few franchises make sense as candidates who could both give the Niners what they’re looking for and fit $25 million in annual salary under the salary cap in the near future.
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