Deebo Samuel requests trade from 49ers after ‘hard conversation’
This time, it appears Deebo Samuel’s time with the 49ers might actually be done.
After an offseason full of trade rumors last year, Samuel requested a trade from the team during exit meetings at the end of this season, and the team has granted him and his agent permission to seek a trade, ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported Sunday.
“It was a hard conversation to have with [head coach] Kyle [Shanahan] because of the relationship that we have,” Samuel, 29, said Sunday, per ESPN. “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 also requested a trade in 2022 before signing a three-year, $73.5 million contract extension with the 49ers that included $58.1 million guaranteed.
He has repeatedly said he was “frustrated” with his lack of production while posting — and since deleting — an X post that he wasn’t getting the ball enough.
“Not struggling at all just not getting the ball!!!!!!!” Samuel posted on X in the since-deleted post.
Samuel’s 49ers future seemed murky last year after the team selected Ricky Pearsall in the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft.
The 2025 season will be the final year of Samuel’s contract, and any acquiring team would need to factor in his big salary, as he’s owed $17.55 million.
With Pearsall being drafted in the first round and the 49ers extending Brandon Aiyuk after a longstanding contract dispute to begin the 2024 season, the writing was on the wall for Samuel and the 49ers to be on the outs in 2025.
Not including Samuel’s injury-riddled 2020 season, where he played just seven games, 2024 saw him bring in a career-low 51 catches with just 670 yards and three touchdowns.
Perhaps not coincidentally, the 49ers finished in last place in the NFC West with a 6-11 record.
In his Pro Bowl 2021 campaign, Samuel had 1,770 total yards and 14 combined touchdowns.
