Deebo Samuel Asks For Trade

Deebo Samuel #19 of the San Francisco 49ers rushes during the NFC Wild Card Playoff game against the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium on January 16, 2022 in Arlington, Texas. The 49ers defeated the Cowboys 23-17.

One of the NFL’s best wide receivers wants to be traded. Deebo Samuel has asked the San Francisco 49ers to deal him to another team.

Samuel told ESPN’s Jeff Darlington that he asked for a trade, though he didn't elaborate on the reasons for his request. According to NFL Network’s Ian Rapport, there are issues with the way Samuel is used in the 49ers’ offense.

It had previously been reported that Samuel was prepared to skip San Francisco’s voluntary workouts if he didn’t get a new contract extension. Samuel has one year left on his deal. It doesn’t appear that Samuel simply wants to be traded because of an unsatisfactory contract offer.

The trade request came in more than a week ago, and the #49ers have been aware of Deebo’s feelings for a while. This is why there have been no talks. https://t.co/Rl0yC7o47Y
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) April 20, 2022

Money is not at the root of the issues for Deebo Samuel, otherwise that could be fixed with a big offer. But there are also issues with how he’s used. https://t.co/ZX7dKR2yik
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) April 20, 2022

The 49ers might decide to not trade Samuel, though doing so before next week’s draft instead of later in the offseason would be preferable for San Francisco. The 49ers don’t have a pick in the first round of the 2022 NFL Draft. San Francisco would likely receive at least a first-round pick in exchange for Samuel.

Last month, the Kansas City Chiefs traded Tyreek Hill to the Miami Dolphins in exchange for a first, second and fourth- round pick in this year’s draft. Kansas City also received a 2023 fourth and sixth-rounder.

With 1,405 receiving yards, Samuel finished fifth in the NFL for the 2021 season. The 26-year-old led the league with 18.2 yards per reception. Samuel also added 59 carries for 365 yards and eight touchdowns.

Between his prowess as a receiver and a rusher, Samuel is probably the 49ers’ best overall player.

The 49ers are expected to make second-year quarterback Trey Lance their starter for the 2022 season. Jimmy Garoppolo has been in trade rumors for the entire offseason, but the quarterback’s shoulder surgery has prevented San Francisco from receiving acceptable offers from around the league.

Samuel had 96 yards from scrimmage and a touchdown when the 49ers were defeated in the 2022 NFC Championship Game.