In 2022, the New York Jets were willing to send the 10th overall pick and a fifth-round selection to the San Francisco 49ers in exchange for wide receiver Deebo Samuel and a second-round pick. The Detroit Lions reportedly offered multiple selections—believed to be a first and a third-round pick—for the once-versatile playmaker.
But times have changed. Samuel was coming off a breakout 2021 season, amassing 1,770 scrimmage yards and 14 total touchdowns while establishing himself as an unstoppable offensive force. Since then, however, his production has significantly declined.
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This past season, Samuel managed just 806 scrimmage yards and four touchdowns—the receiver's least productive campaign since his injury-plagued 2020 season. Once a dynamic dual-threat weapon capable of inflicting damage on the ground, too, he averaged a career-low 3.2 yards per carry in 2024, down from his impressive 6.1-yard rushing average the previous year.
Naturally, Samuel's trade value has dropped with his production. The 49ers no longer expect to receive anything close to what teams offered in 2022. Still, with Samuel seeking a way out of the Bay Area, the 49ers have granted him permission to explore a trade, fully aware that the return won't be as enticing as it once was.
What could the 49ers realistically expect in return now? According to ESPN's 49ers reporter Nick Wagoner, not much.
"Because Samuel is coming off a down year and is entering the final year of his contract with other top receivers set to be available in free agency or trade, a Day 3 draft pick and perhaps another late-round pick would probably satisfy the 49ers," Wagoner wrote.
That's a far cry from the offers the team received in 2022. The 49ers even discussed trading Samuel during Day 2 of last year's draft but decided against it after failing to receive an enticing offer.
"If there isn't much of a trade market, the Niners might have to settle for less unless they package picks with Samuel," Wagoner added.
There are also financial obstacles to consider. Trading Samuel before June 1 would cost the 49ers twice as much as keeping him ($31.55 million versus $15.87 million). Unlike player releases, the team can't designate Samuel as a post-June 1 trade to spread out the cap hit.
Additionally, Wagoner notes that a $15.4 million option bonus due to Samuel on March 22 further complicates matters.
Moving on from Samuel would be complex, but roster-wise, the 49ers have taken steps to prepare for life without him. The team used a first-round pick last year on wide receiver Ricky Pearsall and locked up Brandon Aiyuk to a long-term deal before the 2024 season.
Internally, the 49ers remain fond of Samuel. Still, they appear willing to at least explore a potential future without him.
