Deebo Samuel trade rumors: NFL insider highlights two teams heating up for 49ers WR

Earlier this month, the San Francisco 49ers granted receiver Deebo Samuel and his agent Tory Dandy permission to seek a trade partner.

On this, the last day of February, two suitors have emerged, per Jordan Schultz of FOX Sports: The Washington Commanders and Houston Texans. Talks have been progressing in recent days and while Washington and Houston have been the most aggressive, Schultz added other teams such as the Pittsburgh Steelers and Denver Broncos have inquired about Samuel.

Both the Commanders and Texans make sense as potential destinations. It’s no secret Washington wants someone to pair alongside Terry McLaurin. The same applies to Houston and Nico Collins, with Tank Dell likely out for the 2025 season and Stefon Diggs an unrestricted free agent.

Samuel, who recently turned 29, is a proven veteran option coming off a down season in San Francisco. In 15 games, he compiled 51 receptions for 670 yards and three touchdowns. That was the fewest number of receptions he’s had since playing in only seven games during the 2020 season. It was also his lowest number of receiving yards and touchdowns since 2022.

Deebo Samuel, 49ers headed towards divorce

There was some growing friction between Samuel and the 49ers this past season. In one instance, he appeared to get into a confrontation with the team’s long snapper during a game in November. On top of that, in a now-deleted tweet, he shared that he wasn’t struggling, but “just not getting the ball.” All of that came in San Francisco’s first losing season since 2020, a year removed from playing in the Super Bowl.

49ers general manager John Lynch said earlier this week they will likely honor Samuel’s trade request.

“We’re on good terms with Deebo,” Lynch said Wednesday. “He’s asked for a fresh start, and I think we’re going to honor that.”

Samuel is under contract for a $15.8 million cap hit in 2025.