San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Deebo Samuel was the subject of trade rumors in the offseason, and those won’t quiet down any time soon. A second-round pick in the 2019 NFL Draft, the South Carolina product established himself as one of the league’s more unique players, running a full route tree and making plays after the catch while also making plays in the backfield. While he flashed greatness early in his career, he became a household name when he recorded 1,405 receiving yards, 365 rushing yards, and 14 combined touchdowns in 2021.
Unfortunately, the wide receiver never recaptured that elite performance and has struggled in recent weeks. Limited to just 11 receptions for 85 yards over the past four games, the South Carolina product posted his frustrations in a now-deleted tweet, saying he was “not struggling at all just not getting the ball.”
General Manager John Lynch says Samuel is still part of the long-term plan, but it’s hard to take that at face value. Samuel carries a large cap hit and still can’t earn targets despite star wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk being injured. The team will carry him for the remainder of the 2024 season, but don’t be surprised if the 49ers trade Deebo Samuel to a team like the Baltimore Ravens or Los Angeles Chargers in the offseason.
Ravens, Chargers Could Trade For Frustrated Deebo Samuel
The Baltimore Ravens have one of the most dangerous offenses in football. Led by reigning MVP Lamar Jackson, superstar Derrick Henry, and first-round pick Zay Flowers, this offense has the pieces to be dangerous when everyone is firing on all cylinders. However, one or two injuries could sink the entire organization. Seeing as the suspended Diontae Johnson is clearly not a long-term part of the organization, the Ravens should go back to the well and trade for Deebo Samuel.
Samuel’s unique skillset would work in any offense, but he could be especially dangerous in Baltimore. As one of the best players in the league after the catch, Samuel excels at making multiple defenders miss in space. As it is, the presence of Jackson and Henry makes it impossible for defenses to consistently drop defenders into coverage, so Samuel should have more room to work with in this offense. Additionally, he’d be a fantastic lightning to Derrick Henry’s thunder when working out of the backfield.
More Help For Herbert
The Los Angeles Chargers look better with head coach Jim Harbaugh than they ever did with Brandon Staley. Now 8-5, the team is in the driver’s seat for a Wild Card spot and should have a shot of getting their first playoff win of the Justin Herbert Era. However, if they hope to go deeper in 2025, they must upgrade their offensive weapons.
Second-round pick Ladd McConkey is the real deal, but someone else must step up in this offense. 2023 first-round pick Quentin Johnston is better off in a depth role, and nobody else of note is on the roster. Harbaugh wants to win with a strong running game, which makes a potential Deebo Samuel acquisition all the more intriguing. Samuel is not a true running back, but his ability to take the occasional carry could make him an interesting fit in this run-first attack.
Main Photo: Cary Edmondson – USA Today Sports
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