Just a day after we covered the 49ers’ potentially trading Jimmy Garoppolo, the team was informed that star wide receiver Deebo Samuel has also requested a trade.
Breaking News: I just spoke to wide receiver Deebo Samuel — and he told me that he has asked the 49ers to trade him.
He did not want to discuss specific reasons behind his request, but he has indeed let the 49ers know his desire to leave the organization. More to come.
— Jeff Darlington (@JeffDarlington) April 20, 2022
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The 25-year-old emerged as a true breakout star in 2021, catching 77 passes on 121 targets for 1,405 yards and six touchdowns. He averaged a ridiculous 18.2 yards per reception while also rushing for 365 yards an additional eight touchdowns.
The former South Carolina Gamecock was rewarded for his efforts with a Pro Bowl nod and a spot on the Al-Pro first team. However, Deebo unfollowed the 49ers on social media earlier in the offseason, which sparks intrigue, and then broke off contract extension talks with the team just days ago.
Although there has been some speculation that Deebo’s dissatisfaction was not money but a disconnect in how he was used by the 49ers, we have yet to hear from the receiver or his camp with the exact cause of this likely break-up. In the meantime, the speculation about which team will make a move for the star will only ramp up.
Given Deebo’s young age and track record of elite production, a trade for the receiver would likely have to include at least one first-round pick amongst a much larger package.
The Detroit Lions have the 2nd overall pick and head coach Dan Campbell has been a vocal fan of Deebo’s in the past, which has caused some rumors to connect those dots already. The Packers have been mentioned as they look to replace DeVante Adams, but they wouldn’t likely have the cap space to afford Deebo.
In the meantime, the 49ers will be left with Brandon Aiyuk, Trent Sherfield, and Jauan Jennings at wide receiver and will certainly be looking for upgrades in next week’s NFL Draft.
With Jimmy Garoppolo also likely on the way out, a team that just made the NFC Championship game could look drastically different in the 2022 season.
