49ers Face Dilemma with Deebo Samuel Amid Trade Rumors and Contract Concerns.
Following rumors swirling around the potential trade of star wide receiver Deebo Samuel at the 2024 NFL draft, uncertainty looms over his future with the San Francisco 49ers. Speculation arose after an anonymous NFL executive suggested that the 49ers might part ways with Samuel after the 2024 season, either through a trade or by cutting him.
The 28-year-old receiver, known for his versatility and playmaking ability, signed a lucrative three-year, $71.55 million contract extension with the Niners, keeping him under contract through 2025. However, concerns about Samuel’s injury history, including missing games in both the 2022 and 2023 seasons, have added a layer of complexity to the situation.
While a trade before June 1 would have saved the 49ers $6.8 million against the salary cap, it would have also resulted in nearly $21.8 million in dead cap. On the other hand, a post-June 1 trade would save the team $21.9 million against the cap this season, with $6.6 million in dead cap in 2024 and $15.1 million in dead cap in 2025.
General manager John Lynch’s decision to select Florida wide receiver Ricky Pearsall in the first round of the draft at No. 31 overall could be seen as a move to prepare for a future without either Samuel or Brandon Aiyuk, who is also entering the final year of his contract in 2024.
Despite Samuel’s impressive performances, including setting career highs in 2021 with 77 receptions for 1,405 yards and earning Pro Bowl and First Team All-Pro honors, he has never played a full NFL season without missing at least one game. Last season, he recorded 60 catches for 892 yards and seven touchdowns but was overshadowed by Aiyuk’s 1,342 receiving yards.
While Samuel’s future with the 49ers remains uncertain, head coach Kyle Shanahan and the team may feel added pressure to secure a Super Bowl victory in 2024 before potentially parting ways with the dynamic wide receiver.
