Rapoport discusses challenges of trading 49ers WR Deebo Samuel

According to NFL insider Ian Rapoport, trading San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Deebo Samuel may prove more difficult than anticipated. During an appearance on the Rich Eisen show on Friday morning, Rapoport elaborated on the obstacles involved.

Leading up to the draft, speculation swirled regarding the potential trade of another 49ers receiver—Brandon Aiyuk. However, following the selection of former Florida wide receiver Ricky Pearsall with the No. 31 overall pick, attention has shifted towards Samuel.

While Rapoport acknowledged the possibility of the 49ers trading Samuel, he highlighted the challenges involved, stating, "It's hard to do because you want to get a guy a physical. So, worst-case scenario is, let's say the 49ers trade him tonight on the clock for a third-rounder or something, and then, God forbid, he fails a physical. And then you're like, they already used the pick, so it's hard to do. It's a challenge."


Rapoport recalled a draft-day trade in 2022 that saw former Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Marquise Brown move to the Arizona Cardinals.

"He was already in Arizona, having taken a physical, and he literally showed up at their draft party, being like, 'I'm here,'" Rapoport shared. "But the deal was done because his physical was done. So, it's a challenge."

Following Pearsall's selection, Michael Silver of the San Francisco Chronicle reported that the 49ers are now more likely to trade Samuel than Aiyuk. However, this would necessitate finding a team willing to offer sufficient compensation to make the deal worthwhile from the 49ers' perspective and navigating any hurdles in facilitating such a trade.

Expressing surprise, similar to many fans, Rapoport noted his astonishment at the 49ers' selection of Pearsall. He expected the team to draft a tackle and viewed Pearsall as a second-round prospect.

"Kyle's (Shanahan) a very good scout," Rapoport remarked. "I think he knows offensive skill players, so I will trust him. But I was a little surprised he went that early."