Report: 49ers expected to explore trading WR Deebo Samuel

The San Francisco 49ers could explore trading former Pro Bowl wide receiver Deebo Samuel this offseason, according to NFL insider Ian Rapoport.

Rapoport noted that while dealing him this offseason may not be guaranteed, it “may make sense for all parties” to move on from one another.

“While it’s not a certainty that Samuel is done in San Francisco, it’s enough of a possibility that both sides appear to be at peace with moving on if it goes that way,” Rapoport said, via Bleacher Report.

There may have been some instances of possible friction between Samuel and the 49ers. In November, it appeared as though frustration led to Samuel having what appeared to be a heated confrontation with his team’s long snapper, Taybor Pebble, after a string of missed field goals during a game this season.

San Francisco went on to finish the season 6-11 overall just one season removed from their Super Bowl appearance vs. the Kansas City Chiefs. It was the team’s first losing season since finishing 6-10 in 2020. They’ve reached at least the conference championship in the three seasons before 2024, so high expectations were set for this team during the preseason.

It was also widely reported on when Samuel responded to a fan in a since deleted tweet that said he wasn’t struggling, but “just not getting the ball.” At the time, he had four receptions for 553 yards and one touchdown in 12 games.

49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan went on to address Samuel’s outspokenness about his role, saying he communicates often with him about his usage. Shanahan admitted he’d prefer things stay in house but denied it has become a distraction in the building.

“Deebo and I talk every day. I understand Deebo saying that,” Shanahan said at the time. “Deebo wants to help us out, and the only way he helps us out is getting the ball more. We’d like to get it to him more and we’ll continue to work at that. … Deebo and I see each other every day and talk about stuff every day.

“My advice is to not let the outside frustrate you, because just answering those things isn’t going to help you in any way. Usually only hurts you. But as far as like what we deal with and our relationships and our team, it’s water under the bridge.”

As rumors of expected landing spots for Samuel begin to emerge, there still appears to be a possibility he stay in San Francisco next season. Whether that ends up being the case remains to be seen.