The San Francisco 49ers have granted wide receiver Deebo Samuel and his representation permission to seek a trade, multiple reports confirmed on Sunday. Samuel possesses one remaining season on a previously signed contract extension. He’s scheduled to carry a cap charge of $15.8 million in 2025.
Samuel struggled with recurring injuries throughout the 2024 season. He posted 670 receiving yards in 15 regular-season appearances, the third-lowest output of his career. The dual-threat Samuel also rushed for just 136 yards. He was far less effective than usual.
Samuel will be a buy-low candidate for interested teams. The 49ers may be willing to part with Samuel for day-three draft compensation, as shedding his salary is their top priority. We’ve identified three potential suitors.
New England Patriots
Mike Vrabel is the new head coach of the New England Patriots. He hired familiar face Josh McDaniels to return as the offensive coordinator. Together, Vrabel and McDaniels will prefer an offense that protects franchise quarterback Drake Maye and his development. Maye needs more veteran pass-catchers at his disposal, and the Patriots have a league-high $120 million in cap space.
The Patriots lack talent on the offensive line. Vrabel, who coached Derrick Henry in Tennessee, will prefer a run-heavy offense that limits the number of traditional dropbacks to avoid exposing Maye to constant pressure. A backfield weapon like Samuel, who thrives on manufactured touches, would help Maye quickly get the ball out of his hands with consistency. The Patriots need more playmakers capable of creating opportunities for themselves in space.
Pittsburgh Steelers
The Pittsburgh Steelers are annual postseason contenders. Mike Tomlin has his competitive squad in yearly contention. Don’t expect a full-blown rebuild to occur anytime soon. That could make them potential suitors for a 29-year-old Samuel.
George Pickens is the lone starting-caliber receiver on the roster. Rookie Roman Wilson spent nearly the entire campaign sidelined with injury. The Steelers can’t rely on him until he proves capable of being productive and staying healthy. At running back, Najee Harris is scheduled for free agency and is unlikely to return. Acquiring Samuel for low compensation and pairing him with Pickens and Tyler Warren would further expand Pittsburgh’s offensive playbook for whoever next year’s starting quarterback is.
Denver Broncos
Rookie quarterback Bo Nix took the Denver Broncos further than anyone imagined in 2024. The Broncos qualified for the postseason, but a blowout wild-card loss to the Buffalo Bills proved they remain in the early stages of their ascension. Surrounding Nix with additional weapons is of importance this offseason to ensure his development remains on an upward trajectory.
The Broncos possess a healthy $34.7 million in cap space. Head coach Sean Payton possesses a brilliant offensive mind, having routinely highlighted his ability to maximize talents with Samuel’s unique skill set. Expect the Broncos to add multiple skill players to the roster this offseason. The Broncos could afford to part with one of their four draft picks scheduled between rounds four and six in exchange for Samuel.
