The 49ers are expected to explore trade possibilities for wide receiver Deebo Samuel, and have granted him and his agent permission to find a trade partner.
"It was a hard conversation to have with Kyle (Shanahan) because of the relationship that we have," Samuel said. "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."
Samuel, 29, is coming off a season in which he had just 51 catches on 81 targets for 670 yards and three touchdowns. His catch and target total are career-lows, outside of an injury-plagued 2020 season.
Samuel is a former All-Pro and has been a dangerous weapon in Shanahan's offense. But, considering his age and injury history, trading for him is a risky move for any team, including the Steelers. He's going into the final year of a three-year, $71.55 million contract, so a trade only makes sense with a new contract.
The Steelers and 49ers talked quite a bit last offseason, mostly about Brandon Aiyuk, but Samuel was discussed at various times, as well. Pittsburgh has money to spend, around $40 million in current cap space, but would they want this?
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THE ASYLUM
Chris Halicke
10:16 am - 02.09.2025DowntownSamuel on the market
The 49ers are expected to explore trade possibilities for wide receiver Deebo Samuel, and have granted him and his agent permission to find a trade partner.
"It was a hard conversation to have with Kyle (Shanahan) because of the relationship that we have," Samuel said. "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."
Samuel, 29, is coming off a season in which he had just 51 catches on 81 targets for 670 yards and three touchdowns. His catch and target total are career-lows, outside of an injury-plagued 2020 season.
Samuel is a former All-Pro and has been a dangerous weapon in Shanahan's offense. But, considering his age and injury history, trading for him is a risky move for any team, including the Steelers. He's going into the final year of a three-year, $71.55 million contract, so a trade only makes sense with a new contract.
The Steelers and 49ers talked quite a bit last offseason, mostly about Brandon Aiyuk, but Samuel was discussed at various times, as well. Pittsburgh has money to spend, around $40 million in current cap space, but would they want this?
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