The San Francisco 49ers are actively trying to trade Deebo Samuel this offseason. With one more year left on his contract, Samuel had requested a trade after the 2024 campaign and the 49ers granted it. With the official start of free agency right around the corner, the speculations surrounding the wide receiver are in full swing.
Speaking to the media at the NFL Scouting Combine, GM John Lynch provided the latest on trade negotiations. The lead decisionmaker for the 49ers said that there has been a ton of interest around the league for the 29-year-old.
John Lynch says teams have checked in on Deebo Samuel:
— Coach Yac 🗣 (@Coach_Yac) February 26, 2025
“There’s been a lot of interest around the league.” pic.twitter.com/8hqnwWuMgG
49ers News: Deebo Samuel Drawing A Lot of Interest Around the League
This is an excellent development for the 49ers. Due to Samuel's age, contract status, and declining production, how much interest there would be for him was a big question mark. If there are multiple suitors, the 49ers could potentially receive a better-than-expected trade package for Samuel.
Trading Samuel before June 1 will cost San Francisco $15.2 million in 2025 cap space. They could decide to hold onto him and trade him after that date, which would save them $5.2 million. The problem with that approach is that the picks they get will be for the 2026 NFL Draft at the earliest.
Any team that trades for Samuel will also have to give him a long-term contract extension. Considering that he is three years removed from his lone Pro Bowl season could discourage teams from doing so.
Davante Adams and Amari Cooper, players of similar caliber to Samuel, were traded for a third-round pick last season. The 49ers will look for a similar return but the complicating factors mentioned above will remain an obstacle.
A potential bidding war could benefit the 49ers. Sometimes, all it takes is one team to fall in love with a player. With teams like the Commanders, Texans, and Chargers looking to add an elite WR this offseason, it could very well be one of them that lands Deebo Samuel.