Could Deebo Samuel really leave the 49ers?

It’s been an absolute rollercoaster of an offseason for NFL wide receivers.

We’ve seen the market for the position completely reset this year, with blockbuster trade deals and huge signings in free agency.

Now, the drama is continuing with the 49ers’ and their star man on offense, Deebo Samuel.

One of the best playmakers in the NFL last season, Samuel is reportedly wanting out of San Francisco, despite the franchise being one of the favourites to win the Super Bowl next season.

But with just a year left on his current deal, the former South Carolina Gamecocks man is looking to finalise his long-term future as an NFL player.

Both Samuel and the 49ers will be after the best possible deal for themselves, whether or not that means the player remains in San Francisco. But with training camps returned and the 2022 NFL Draft almost upon us, they will also want a quick and easy solution.

Regardless, this latest offseason episode will be a talking point for some time.

Why is Samuel unsettled?

It doesn’t need much explaining, but Deebo Samuel is a special football player.

After seeing the likes of Davante Adams and Tyreek Hill leveraging their disputes to land a trade, and Stefon Diggs earning himself a huge new contract in Buffalo, Samuel is looking to get a payday of his own.

The former second rounder will rank himself alongside these elite receivers. Yet his role for the 49ers in truth is a lot different to his peers, considering how much he plays outside of his usual position.

In 2021, Samuel had almost as many touches as a running back as he did a wideout. Infact, he scored more touchdowns when used as a running back (8), than as a receiver (6).

While Samuel may enjoy that versatile role, it could have some serious implications for what he’s paid.

NFL receivers usually get paid a lot more money than running backs. On average, RBs also have a much shorter career span in the league.

If the 49ers continue to use Samuel this way, NFL executives will start to view Samuel as more of a running back, which could see him move into a salary classification that hardly ever affords long-term deals.

All in all, Samuel’s transition into a de facto ‘wing back’ could drastically impact his longevity as a player and the contract he ultimately receives.

As a pro, this is something that he will want to avoid at all costs. For Samuel, moving away to become a true wide receiver could be for the good of his career length.

Of course, Samuel is after the money. But the issues go deeper than that.

Players don’t get to pick the place where the begin their NFL careers. And it seems that one of the main triggers for the trade request is that Samuel simply doesn’t want to live in California, where the franchise that drafted him is based.

The South Carolina native is reportedly keen to move a bit closer to home. Given the 49ers play the majority of their games in the other side of the country, he’d need a move away to make that a reality.

What are his options away from San Francisco?

This is the perfect timing for Samuel to make the request.

It’s no surprise that it came just a week before the start of the 2022 NFL Draft. Teams will high end draft picks will be looking to entice the 49ers into a deal before April 28.

The New York Jets, Indianapolis Colts and the Kansas City Chiefs are some potential trade destinations. A trade for Samuel would be a huge addition for each of their offenses, but particularly for New York.

The Jets always seem to be in the mix for a trade with a big-name receiver. They have the draft capital and the all-important cap space to make a deal for someone like Samuel.

Acquiring Samuel would not only solve an obvious offensive need. And of course not just pleasing their fan base.

It would, on paper, be a seamless fit for both parties.

Jets head coach Robert Saleh and offensive coordinator Mike LaFluer have previously worked with Samuel during their time at the 49ers. That familiarity could help to instantly settle the player to his surroundings and their style of play.

Sending Samuel to the Jets would also suit the 49ers if they were inclined to trade. It would mean the Niners were not letting their star man go to conference rival or an immediate championship contender.

For Samuel, this trade would mean a downgrade of offensive projections. He’d go from playing with an experienced, veteran pro in Jimmy Garoppolo, to an uncertain second year quarterback with a point to prove in Zach Wilson.

But given the 49ers intentions to start Trey Lance in 2022, another year two QB, this scenario is similar to what can be expected in San Francisco.

If the Jets were to trade for Samuel, it would not come as such a surprise.

That said, could the 49ers really let Samuel leave?

The start of a busy offseason for the 49ers

Dealing with Samuel could be the first of many tough player negotiations for San Francisco this offseason.

Nick Bosa is looking for an extension, while finding a trade for Jimmy Garoppolo also presents an issue.

Samuel could demand an amount close to $25 million a year to stay at Levi Stadium. That figure is similar to some of the previous deals we’ve seen for wideouts this year.

On top of this, Bosa is looking to become the highest paid defensive player ever.

And having already tied down the likes of George Kittle, Trent Williams and Fred Warner on mega contracts in recent years, this could all prove too expensive for the 49ers.

Still, it seems unlikely that the Niners will want to let Samuel walk, even for a large purse. He’s been electric since joining in 2019.

There also isn’t anyone in the upcoming draft who is like Samuel. That will surely deter general manager John Lynch from pursuing a trade for picks this year.

Therefore, from a purely footballing viewpoint, it really isn’t in the 49ers interest to let Samuel walk. His production and value to the team will surely force Lynch to find a way to keep him around.

Yes, they have a great roster regardless of whether Deebo leaves. And he has had some injuries throughout his career so far, which is slightly off putting.

But Samuel is a real gamechanger who has a great relationship with head coach Kyle Shanahan and the rest of the coaching squad. He will play a vital part if the 49ers want to continue contending for a Super Bowl.

It is absolutely in their best interests to keep Samuel and to pay him well.