The San Francisco 49ers head into a massive offseason. They finished with a 6-11 record last year and watched the playoffs from home.
The offseason didn't start with the best news, as Deebo Samuel is officially on the trade block. The 49ers will have to re-tool the roster to have a bounce-back campaign in 2025. ESPN's Matt Bowen released an article discussing the top 50 free agents and their best fits.
At No. 31, Asante Samuel Jr. was listed and the 49ers were named as his best fit. Bowen wrote, "A shoulder injury limited Samuel to four games last season, but he has the traits to produce at a position of need in Robert Saleh's 49ers defense. Charvarius Ward is a free agent, meaning there could be a hole at corner. Samuel has a playmaking mentality, with the foot quickness and sudden closing speed to break on the ball in zone and man looks."
The best team fits for our Top 50 NFL free agents.
— Matt Bowen (@MattBowen41) February 18, 2025
Tee Higgins — WASH
Trey Smith — CHI
Khalil Mack — GB
JK Dobbins — CLE
Nick Bolton — DEN
It’s up at ESPN+ https://t.co/WjLCc42Akj
49ers Listed as Best Fit for Asante Samuel Jr.
As Bowen highlighted, the 49ers could have a huge void in the secondary if Ward leaves town. Per Spotrac, Samuel Jr's market value is listed at $11.5 million per season (four-year, $45 million deal).
He's a smooth and agile playmaker on the backend with a high football IQ. Samuel Jr. has great ball skills and uses his awareness to make plays.
The Florida State product only managed to play in four games during the 2024 season due to a shoulder injury, but he played in at least 12 games in his first three seasons.
In 50 career games, Samuel Jr. had 176 total tackles, 37 pass deflections, and six interceptions. The 25-year-old is the son of Asante Samuel, who was a ball-hawking defender during his career.
The 49ers need to bring in more difference-makers this offseason and Samuel Jr. could be a great option to bolster their secondary.