Deebo Samuel rocked the NFL world to its core this week when he asked the San Francisco 49ers to trade him. As one of the most potent and versatile offense threats in the league, his transition to a different team will have massive ramifications for all parties involved.
It is something of an open secret at this juncture that Samuel has one particular squad that he is interested in joining.
But who are the truly viable trade contenders for his services?
This week, an answer emerged.
According to NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport, three teams have emerged as ones to watch in the Deebo Samuel Sweepstakes:
Among the teams to consider as the trade market for Deebo Samuel heats up: The #Jets, the #Packers, the #Chiefs, the #Lions… and, I assume, most other teams who like really good players. https://t.co/onrd55k3s3
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) April 20, 2022
Jeremy Fowler appeared on ESPN’s SportsCenter Friday and somewhat corroborated that report.
“There are several teams that will be in the mix here, and let’s be clear, the 49ers do not want to deal Deebo Samuel,” he said.
“They want to keep him, but it might be beyond repair at this point if Samuel is dug in, which it appears that he is. I’m told that the issue of usage of him playing running back and wide receiver is only part of the reason why he requested a trade.”
This past season Samuel caught 77 passes for 1,405 yards and ran 59 times for 365 yards. In the process, he amassed 14 total touchdowns.
It goes without saying that Samuel would be an instant offensive shot in the arm for anyone team he joins. And it similarly goes without saying that his departure would be a huge blow to the Niners, who are still dealing with their Jimmy Garoppolo situation and the nonsense Trey Lance landed in the headlines for this week.
The photos speak for themselves. https://t.co/rvu47FLBaQ
— Game 7 (@game7__) April 23, 2022
Samuel’s trade will instantly change the landscape of the NFL, as soon as it happens.
Where will he ultimately end up?
Time will tell.
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Charles Kruger has been credentialed to cover two Super Bowls, four NBA Finals, and one World Series. A 20-year veteran in the sports world, he has sources spanning the NBA, MLB, NFL, UFC and NASCAR. Currently residing in Los Angeles, Calif., he is Game 7’s go-to source for rumors surrounding the Lakers, Clippers and Dodgers.
