Another high-profile receiver wants to be traded.
49ers wideout Deebo Samuel has requested a trade, according to ESPN’s Jeff Darlington. Darlington didn’t get specifics after talking to Samuel, but the receiver wasn’t expected to participate in offseason workouts while searching for a new deal.
The Jets have been on the hunt for a veteran receiver all offseason to pair with Elijah Moore, Corey Davis and Braxton Berrios. New York has failed in its pursuit thus far, but Samuel offers another opportunity for Joe Douglas.
Samuel enjoyed a highly-productive 2021 season, finishing with 1,770 combined scrimmage yards and 14 total touchdowns as a pass-catcher and rusher for the 49ers. He would be an ideal scheme fit in Mike LaFleur’s offense, which is already an off-shoot of the Kyle Shanahan offense Samuel has played in for the past three years. Samuel is also familiar with much of the Jets’ coaching staff after Robert Saleh brought some of his 49ers colleagues with him to New York in 2020.
The Jets have a number of assets at their disposal to try and woo the 49ers into sending Samuel to New York – including perhaps one of their two first-round or second-round picks. Douglas would likely have to pay Samuel a megadeal as well after watching Tyreek Hill, Davante Adams and Stefon Diggs sign huge contracts this offseason.
