The San Francisco 49ers and Deebo Samuel appear headed for a split after years of trade speculation surrounding the star wide receiver. Samuel requested a trade in January, and the 49ers have permitted him to seek one.
The timing of a potential move remains uncertain. However, Samuel's $15.4 million option bonus due on March 22 could expedite the process.
Aside from figuring out trade compensation, financial obstacles must be considered. Trading or releasing Samuel before June 1 would result in a dead-cap hit nearly double his current salary cap figure.
If Samuel departs, the 49ers would be left with Brandon Aiyuk, Jauan Jennings, Ricky Pearsall, and likely Jacob Cowing as their top four receivers. However, Aiyuk is recovering from an ACL injury suffered in October, leaving his status for the start of the season in question.
The uncertainty could push the 49ers to explore veteran help in free agency. According to 49ers insider Matt Barrows of The Athletic, the team is unlikely to pursue a high-priced target like Tee Higgins. With general manager John Lynch and head coach Kyle Shanahan focused on signing quarterback Brock Purdy to a massive contract extension, a more cost-effective solution is expected.
"The 49ers probably would have acquired Amari Cooper last season if Aiyuk had been willing to go to the Cleveland Browns," Barrows wrote in a recent mailbag article. "Two players with Northern California ties — Keenan Allen and Brandin Cooks — also are available. Neither is a long-term solution but could bolster the receiving corps while Aiyuk recovers and Pearsall and Cowing continue to develop."
New York Jets wide receiver Davante Adams could also be a possibility if the Jets release him. According to ESPN's Jeremy Fowler, Adams is intrigued by a potential return to the West Coast, with the 49ers named as a possible landing spot.
"We can probably cross out Higgins, considering the amount of money it would take to sign him and what they've already committed to Aiyuk," Barrows explained. "Adams is a bit more intriguing considering his desire to play in California and presumably for a contender. However, all three California-based teams can make that claim."
Adams grew up in the Bay Area, attending high school in Palo Alto before playing college football at Fresno State, less than three hours away.
