'I think it's best that we find another team' – Deebo Samuel confirms request to be traded from the 49ers after six seasons
Deebo Samuel's time with the San Francisco 49ers appears to be over. After a report earlier on Sunday from NFL Media's Ian Rapoport that the 49ers were set to explore a trade of their star wide receiver, Samuel confirmed to ESPN's Adam Schefter that he and his agent Tory Dandy had been given permission to […]
Deebo Samuel's time with the San Francisco 49ers appears to be over.
After a report earlier on Sunday from NFL Media's Ian Rapoport that the 49ers were set to explore a trade of their star wide receiver, Samuel confirmed to ESPN's Adam Schefter that he and his agent Tory Dandy had been given permission to find a trade partner.
Samuel requested a trade during his exit meeting with Kyle Shanahan following the 49ers' hugely disappointing 6-11 season.
Per Schefter, Samuel said: "It was a hard conversation to have with Kyle because of the relationship that we have.
"But I have to do what’s best. I’m more than thankful for the Niners giving me the opportunity of a lifetime, but now I think it’s best that we find another team."
Finding a team may not be easy for the 2021 first-team All-Pro, largely because of his contract.
If the 49ers were to trade him before June 1, they would take on $31.5 million in dead money with no cap relief. If they trade him post-June 1, they would save just over $5 million against the cap while losing $10.75 million in dead money.
As such, the 49ers may look to restructure his deal to help facilitate a trade for the 2019 second-round pick.
Should Samuel succeed in finding a trade partner, it will be bring to an end a largely spectacular six-season spell that saw him help the 49ers to appearances in Super Bowl 54 and Super Bowl 58, both agonizing defeats for San Francisco.
He has racked up 5,935 yards from scrimmage and 42 total touchdowns, thriving for the 49ers as an outstanding dual-threat, often making devastating impacts as a receiver with his ability to make things happen after the catch and as a runner out of the backfield.
Samuel's finest season came in 2021, when he amassed 1,770 yards from scrimmage and 14 touchdowns in a spectacular campaign that essentially saw him, with the help of the defense, carry the 49ers to the NFC Championship Game.
He had 12 touchdowns in 2023, but Samuel endured a significant down year in 2024 with 806 yards from scrimmage and just four touchdowns.
Samuel's influence as a focal point of the offense has steadily waned and, with the catalogue of other weapons they have at their disposal and the possibility of adding another star like Davante Adams or Tee Higgins this offseason, the 49ers were in a strong position to grant his request and accept an emotionally painful parting of ways.
