Two Deebo Samuel Trade Suitors Turning Heads with ‘Significant’ Interest..
The San Francisco 49ers suddenly expect some major changes coming on the offensive side next season. Not only will they likely lock in Brock Purdy to a long-term extension, but it seems they are restructuring their receivers group. General manager John Lynch made that clear this week at the NFL Scouting Combine. His take on recent Brandon Aiyuk trade rumors left an impression that the team wants to move on from him in the coming months. But the more public and concrete intentions center on Aiyuk’s counterpart Deebo Samuel. The Niners’ star receiver requested a trade once again back in January. This time, they are willing to work with Samuel to find him a new destination. “He asked for a fresh start and we’re going to honor that,” Lynch said this week. When a player of
Samuel becomes available, the obvious and immediate focus turns to where he will go. Friday, two potential suitors have emerged for Samuel’s services. The Washington Commanders and Houston Texans have emerged as the most serious contenders for the Niners’ receiver, showing “significant interest” according to FOX NFL insider Jordan Schultz. Other teams including the Pittsburgh Steelers and Denver Broncos have inquired about Samuel, but they sit behind Washington and Houston as it currently stands. Nonetheless, both present very intriguing options for Samuel who would likely find a more enhanced role than he otherwise would have with the Niners. The Commanders are the team with the most intrigue here, coming off an NFC Championship appearance led by rookie sensation Jayden Daniels. Washington is projected over $80 million in cap space this offseason, meaning they will not hesitate to spend in hopes of elevating their team. Samuel provides an ideal complement to No. 1 receiver Terry McLaurin,
adding to the depth and potency of the Washington pass catching group. Meanwhile, Houston provides another fascinating alternative. The Texans continue to build around C.J. Stroud and suddenly have some wide receiver questions of their own heading into 2025. Related: John Lynch Reveals a ‘Really Motivated Trent Williams for 2025 They traded for Stefon Diggs last offseason, organizing a big three of Nico Collins, Tank Dell and Diggs. Flash forward and all three missed time last season with injury. Diggs is set to hit free agency and Dell may miss extended time with the severity of his leg injury suffered in December. A trade for Samuel adds a veteran presence around Stroud and the offense, giving their No. 1 Collins a complement of his own. Those two destinations seem welcoming for Samuel’s position. For the Niners the hope is they can pit these suitors and any others that come forth in a bidding war to turn a profit with this eventual trade.
