The Carolina Panthers or New Orleans Saints may pursue wideout Deebo Samuel as his trade spikes after Brandon Aiyuk signed his new contract with the 49ers. According to a report, San Francisco can finally put the Aiyuk saga behind them but they have to see what they will do when they need to pay Samuel. However, the 49ers have Aiyuk, Samuel and running back Christian McCaffrey for two more years under contract. It’s going to be a struggle for them to pay all three of them in 2026 so the 49ers should probably consider taking some trade calls this season.
This comes after finally being able to work out a deal with long-time veteran, Trent Williams and now they need to find a way to extend quarterback Brock Purdy. There are a lot of pieces that the 49ers need to worry about but the fact that the team was shopping Samuel this past year’s draft means that they could wind up trading him. Samuel did talk to his agent about the potential change of scenery that he could see himself in a new uniform one day and that could happen before this year’s trade deadline. Samuel may be shaping up this season as his farewell tour as he’s still a unique weapon to have around when he’s healthy.
One source believes the 49ers could trade Samuel to the Carolina Panthers where new head coach Dave Canales is always looking to bolster the offense. It was evident that they were trying after trading for wideout Diontae Johnson and drafting receiver Xavier Legette. He would be a significant upgrade but the Saints would most likely see a drastic change in being that they only have Chris Olave to depend on for Derek Carr’s campaign this year.
Welcome to the Deebo Samuel farewell tour. I've always thought either Samuel or Brandon Aiyuk would be with the 49ers in 2025, not both. 49ers will save $9,057,529 in salary cap space by trading Samuel in 2025. It's a $24,200,529 cap number versus $15.143M in dead money.
— Joel Corry (@corryjoel) August 29, 2024
Panthers, Saints May Pursue Wideout Deebo Samuel As Trade Interest Spikes
Other Potential Trade Destinations
Kansas City Chiefs
This destination seems unlikely but if the 49ers receive a deal they can’t turn down then, by all means, they’ll do it. However, the Chiefs are walking into this season with plenty of questions at the receiver position despite signing JuJu Smith-Schuster and Marquise Brown. They’re releasing Kadarius Toney but Rashee Rice isn’t facing suspension this year so that’s some breath of life for Patrick Mahomes and the offense. Samuel’s addition should be able to accommodate Brown’s absence if they decide to trade for him early or if Brown doesn’t work out at all after his one-year contract is up.
They shouldn’t have to depend on rookie Xavier Worthy who is still adjusting to the NFL. Also, a guy like Skyy Moore who hasn’t taken a starting snap in a full season shouldn’t be depended on. Samuel’s presence should get the receiving corps back on their feet for long-term stability.
Baltimore Ravens
The addition of Samuel in Baltimore should get them back in the conversations of at least an AFC Conference Championship game. They may have Zay Flowers but someone like Rashod Bateman hasn’t been playing up to his potential after having a down season last year. However, they’re always looking for a WR3 which is why they’re bringing in Nelson Agholor and why they signed Odell Beckham Jr. last year. Beckham isn’t around anymore so Agholor will be their third man in the slot but someone like Samuel would be a crucial upgrade to probably have Bateman downgrade to the No. 3 slot.
The chemistry would probably be there once Samuel arrives in Baltimore and there should be no doubt he’ll have that bond with Lamar Jackson.
Pittsburgh Steelers
The Steelers were a serious suitor in the Aiyuk sweepstakes after coming close to a deal to replace Johnson. However, since Aiyuk is staying in San Francisco, they still have another shot to get Samuel. Pittsburgh hasn’t been able to find a wideout to help George Pickens but Samuel’s addition should be able to plug many holes on this offense. He can’t do everything by himself but his impact on the field would get the Steelers back on track to at least a playoff run.
