Deebo Samuel’s Trade Market Heats Up, But Are the Colts the Right Fit?

The 49ers Might Be Ready to Move On

Deebo Samuel has been one of the most electrifying offensive weapons in the NFL since he entered the league in 2019. A wide receiver by position but a true all-purpose threat, Samuel has torched defenses as a pass-catcher, rusher, and even a kick returner. However, his time with the San Francisco 49ers may be coming to an end.

According to NFL insider Ian Rapoport, the 49ers are expected to explore trade possibilities for Samuel this offseason. While a deal isn’t guaranteed, it appears that both the team and the player are prepared to part ways if the right opportunity arises.

Samuel’s Versatility Makes Him a Coveted Asset

Over his six-year tenure with the 49ers, Samuel has amassed 4,792 receiving yards and 22 touchdowns on 334 receptions. But his impact doesn’t stop there—he has also been a dangerous weapon in the ground game, racking up 1,143 rushing yards on 202 carries, averaging an impressive 5.7 yards per attempt, and scoring 20 rushing touchdowns.

His ability to line up anywhere on the field and make plays in multiple ways has made him a nightmare for defenses. Even in the return game, Samuel proved his explosiveness in 2024, returning 17 kicks for 533 yards, averaging 31.4 yards per return.

Should the Colts Pursue Samuel?

The Indianapolis Colts, like every other NFL team, could benefit from a playmaker of Samuel’s caliber. Pairing him with young quarterback Anthony Richardson could give the offense a dynamic new dimension. However, there are several obstacles that make a deal unlikely.

First, Samuel’s durability has been a concern. Since his dominant 2021 season, where he earned Pro Bowl and First-Team All-Pro honors, he has struggled with injuries and hasn’t quite matched that level of production.

Second, his contract presents a challenge. Samuel is set to make $17.55 million in the final year of his three-year, $71.55 million deal. Any team acquiring him would not only have to pay that salary but also give up valuable assets in a trade.

Colts Have Other Options

Indianapolis already has a solid core of receivers in Michael Pittman Jr., Josh Downs, Alec Pierce, and rookie AD Mitchell. Instead of trading for Samuel, the Colts could pursue more affordable free-agent options such as Darnell Mooney, Curtis Samuel, or Mike Williams.

Additionally, the Colts are already set at running back with Jonathan Taylor and have multiple returners on the roster, including Anthony Gould, Ashton Dulin, and Downs. With these factors in mind, it’s unclear where Samuel would fit into Shane Steichen’s offensive system.

Samuel Will Draw Interest, But the Colts Aren’t the Best Fit

There’s no doubt that Samuel will have plenty of suitors this offseason, but the Colts don’t seem like an ideal landing spot. General manager Chris Ballard will always explore ways to support Richardson, but a trade for Samuel might be too costly and unnecessary given the team’s current roster.

Of course, anything can happen in the NFL offseason, but for now, Indianapolis doesn’t seem like the team most likely to pull the trigger on a blockbuster deal for Deebo Samuel.