San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Deebo Samuel popped up in NFL rumors this offseason with the club shopping its All-Pro weapon. While Samuel is still well-regarded among fans, it appears his trade value is at an all-time low.
The 49ers explored trading Samuel last offseason but ultimately kept him and Brandon Aiyuk. Even at the time, the Pro Bowl receiver’s future in San Francisco seemed bleak with the franchise focused on a future with Aiyuk, Jauan Jennings and Ricky Pearsall.
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- Deebo Samuel stats (ESPN): 51 receptions, 670 receiving yards, 13.1 yards per reception, 42 carries, 136 rushing yards, 3.2 yards per carry 4 total touchdowns
One offseason later, Samuel’s name was one of the first to pop up in NFL rumors as a likely trade candidate this spring. He’s drawn interest from several teams, but it appears the return for San Francisco will be minimal.
Appearing on the John Keim Report, Nick Wagoner of ESPN shared his belief that the 49ers will be offered Day 3 picks for Samuel. It would be significantly less than the offers the club received for him in 2024 – Day 2 picks – with clubs now even more concerned by Samuel’s decline and his injury history.
- Deebo Samuel contract (Spotrac): $15.825 million cap hit in 2025
The 49ers have multiple incentives to move Samuel this offseason. If he’s designated as a post-June 1 trade, the team can free up $5.206 million in cap space. Although, that does come with a $20.401 million dead cap hit in 2025. However, Samuel’s effectiveness as an offensive weapon dipped last season.
In 2023, Samuel averaged 6.1 yards per carry on 37 attempts and ranked 12th in yards per route run (2.45), per PlayerProfiler.com, This past season, though, Samuel’s yards-per-carry average was nearly cut in half (3.2) and he ranked 55th in yards per route run (1.72).
Entering his age-29 season, injuries have taken a toll on Samuel and he no longer seems like he can plat at an All-Pro level. While the likely acquisition cost will generate multiple suitors, Samuel’s best days as a primary offensive weapon seem to be behind him.
