Deebo Samuel Expected to Play for 49ers in 2025 amid Trade Speculation, GM Lynch Says
January 8, 2025
Amid speculation that Deebo Samuel could be on his way out of San Francisco via trade this offseason, 49ers general manager John Lynch expressed that he had no interest in trading Samuel.
According to ESPN's Nick Wagoner, Lynch said "the plan is to bring" Samuel back to the 49ers in 2025.
Samuel had a frustrating campaign in 2024, totaling just 670 receiving yards and three touchdowns on a career-low 51 receptions.
In December, a since-deleted social media post from Samuel read "Not struggling at all, just not getting the ball!"
"You read what you read," Samuel said when asked about the post. "[I'm] a little frustrated for sure."
The former Pro-Bowler clearly would have liked to see more targets this year, which led to speculation that he could request a trade at the end of the season.
Samuel had a breakout season in 2021 when he recorded 1,405 receiving yards and six touchdowns along with eight rushing touchdowns. The former Pro-Bowler clearly would have liked to see more targets this year, which led to speculation that he could request a trade at the end of the season. So far, Samuel has not asked out of San Francisco.
Even if the 49ers wanted to part ways with Samuel, it would cost a pretty penny thanks to his contract being restructured ahead of the 2024 season. If the Niners were to cut or trade Samuel, they would take on $31.6 million dead money while getting no cost savings in return, per Over the Cap.
They could save some money by cutting or trading him after June 1, but it would ultimately lead to more dead money down the road.
The financial implications of cutting or trading Samuel are likely on Lynch's mind, but the Niners are also likely holding on to hope that the former All-Pro receiver can return to his 2021 self.
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