Deebo Samuel sent shockwaves throughout the NFL earlier this month when he requested a trade from the San Francisco 49ers.
Given the central role he played in his team’s offense, and considering just how versatile of a threat he is, multiple teams emerged as legitimate suitors for his services.
In the days since, however – one squad has risen to the forefront as the presumed favorite to acquire Samuel.
According to Pro Football Network insider Tony Pauline, the New York Jets are prepared to do whatever it takes to land Samuel.
“What do the Jets do with the 10th pick?” he wrote. “No surprise here, but word in league circles is the Jets, and most specifically Joe Douglas, are all in on using that pick to acquire Deebo Samuel.”
It is worth remembering that when the Jets made their failed bid for Tyreek Hill, they offered up their second-round picks No. 35 and 38, as well as their third-round pick No. 69. Samuel is an objectively better player than Hill at this juncture, so it stands to reason that going all-in here would constitute offering up a first rounder.
Last year Samuel amassed 77 catches for 1,405 yards and rushed 59 times for 365 yards. Along the way, he recorded 14 total touchdowns.
He is an undeniable difference-maker on offense.
The 49ers are dealing with a lot of issues. They are working through their Jimmy Garoppolo situation and the idiocy Trey Lance found himself in the headlines for last week. Now there’s this Samuel matter.
Now that’s how you party. https://t.co/jDdysVL6uh
— Game 7 (@game7__) April 25, 2022
But a resolution needs to be reached. Draft week is the time to maximize value for a player of Samuel’s caliber, if you’re planning on doing so.
Will Samuel end up a member of the Jets by the time the regular season rolls around? He clearly would prefer to land with a completely different squad, but he may not get a huge choice in the matter.
Time will tell how this story ultimately ends.
Related: Nets Questioning Legitimacy Of Ben Simmons’ Back Injury?
A graduate from the University of Texas, Anthony Amador has been credentialed to cover the Houston Texans, Dallas Cowboys, San Antonio Spurs, Dallas Mavericks and high school games all over the Lone Star State. Currently, his primary beats are the NBA, MLB, NFL and UFC.
