This storyline has certainly taken a dramatic turn. ESPN's Jeff Darlington spoke with wide receiver Deebo Samuel, who confirmed that he asked the San Francisco 49ers to be traded.
"He did not want to discuss specific reasons behind his request, but he has indeed let the 49ers know his desire to leave the organization," wrote Darlington.
Breaking News: I just spoke to wide receiver Deebo Samuel — and he told me that he has asked the 49ers to trade him.
He did not want to discuss specific reasons behind his request, but he has indeed let the 49ers know his desire to leave the organization. More to come.
— Jeff Darlington (@JeffDarlington) April 20, 2022
NFL Network's Ian Rapoport first reported that the trade request was made more than a week ago, but later added that the relationship soured about two weeks ago, around April 6.
The trade request came in more than a week ago, and the #49ers have been aware of Deebo's feelings for a while. This is why there have been no talks. https://t.co/Rl0yC7o47Y
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) April 20, 2022
Given the developments in recent days, the news isn't necessarily surprising. Samuel recently scrubbed his Instagram account of all things 49ers-related. Then, this week, it was revealed that he would skip out on the start of the team's offseason program, which wasn't unexpected.
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On Tuesday, ESPN's Adam Schefter reported that the 49ers would love to get a deal done with Samuel, but the wide receiver has halted the process.
"Deebo Samuel was the one that basically admitted he wanted to move on," said Schefter. "San Francisco would pay Deebo Samuel today, tomorrow, the next day."
Later on the same day, Samuel's brother commented on Facebook that the 49ers receiver would seek a trade. Unfortunately, things have escalated quickly, and it sounds like Samuel has no intention of playing for the 49ers again.
The #49ers have been looking to make offers for a long-term deal with WR Deebo Samuel, but he's been unwilling to engage. This is why. Unclear where this goes from here. But Samuel wanting out is the latest in big-name WR drama.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) April 20, 2022
The 49ers' do-everything wide receiver had a breakout season in 2021, accounting for 1,770 total yards and 14 total touchdowns, not counting a passing touchdown that he threw. That's a level of productivity that will be difficult to replace.