On Wednesday, the San Francisco 49ers news world was turned upside down when ESPN's Jeff Darlington reported that wide receiver Deebo Samuel had requested a trade. NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport later reported that the 49ers' do-everything wideout was frustrated with his role in 2021, which played a part in him wanting out. San Francisco asked him to catch passes and line up at running back, which takes a toll on the body.
According to Connor Hughes, who covers the New York Jets for The Athletic, the 49ers are unwilling to oblige their disgruntled star player. The team has leverage, after all. Samuel remains under contract for one more year and San Francisco can use the franchise tag in 2023.
"He ain't getting out," a source told Hughes, who said the 49ers have "zero intention" of trading Samuel.
Continue to hear same thing about Deebo Samuel: While he has requested a trade, #49ers have zero intention of trading him.
Some team would have to get crazy — think more than what Dolphins gave up/Jets offered for Hill
— Connor Hughes (@Connor_J_Hughes) April 20, 2022
While Deebo Samuel can scream to the high heavens RE trade, #49ers have him under contract for this year & next (tag). Samuel won't forfeit that money. Leverage is with San Francisco.
From what I'm told: SF well aware they need Deebo to compete. Source: "He ain't getting out"
— Connor Hughes (@Connor_J_Hughes) April 20, 2022
It's unclear if that quote came from inside the 49ers organization or if that is the perception around the league. The team might consider trading Samuel but would likely have to be blown away by an offer. The most likely possibility is the quote came from inside the Jets organization. It aligns nicely with this report from Josina Anderson.
Meanwhile, my understanding is there's feeling currently* within the #Jets org that WR Deebo Samuel won't be moved at all, unless San Francisco gets a King's ransom, per league source.
— IG: JosinaAnderson (@JosinaAnderson) April 20, 2022
It makes sense that the initial report comes from a Jets reporter. Many quickly mentioned the New York team as a potential trade destination for Samuel, should the 49ers opt for a divorce. There are many former 49ers coaches on the Jets' staff.
What if Samuel's camp decides to play hardball, skipping mandatory training camp? According to Spotrac, that would mean the loss of an accrued season, making Samuel a restricted free agent next offseason rather than an unrestricted free agent, further strengthening the 49ers' leverage.
If the #49ers do not honor Deebo Samuel's trade request this offseason, they'll hold some leverage with him come training camp per the CBA.
Not reporting to mandatory camp means a loss of an accrued season, meaning Samuel would be facing restricted free agency after 2022.
— Spotrac (@spotrac) April 20, 2022
San Francisco also has its first and only mandatory minicamp from June 13 through June 15. If Samuel is still on the team and not present for that, it would signal he is sticking with his stance. That is the last time the team will gather until training camp at the end of July. The 49ers kicked off their offseason program on Tuesday. Obviously, Samuel did not report.
