It might be time to pump the brakes on the Deebo Samuel and New England Patriots rumors.
After reaching out to a source familiar with the situation, NBC Sports Boston’s Albert Breer reported the San Francisco 49ers aren’t trading Samuel. He also added that the Patriots haven’t called to inquire about his availability.
“I checked in with somebody who would absolutely know on this, and they said A) we’re not trading him and B) they haven’t even called,” said Breer. “So wherever this is, it hasn’t gotten to the Niners’ desk. This isn’t something that’s been on the table for them at all.”
"I checked in with somebody who'd absolutely know on this and they said, 'A) we're not trading him, and B) they haven't called'."@AlbertBreer shoots down those Deebo Samuel to the Patriots rumors… for now 🤔
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— NBC Sports Boston's Patriots Coverage (@NBCSPatriots) February 16, 2023
Breer acknowledged the possibility that something could develop down the road in the same way it did when the 49ers kept defensive tackle Arik Armstead and traded away DeForest Buckner to the Indianapolis Colts.
Sure, Samuel is an elite talent at the receiver position, but the 49ers also have another ascending player in Brandon Aiyuk, who is coming off a career-year. Perhaps they’d consider moving Samuel for present and future picks, while keeping Aiyuk as their top receiving option.
But then again, how much would the Patriots actually be willing to give up for a player like Samuel, and how would that decision impact the other areas of need on the roster?
