The San Francisco 49ers are going to look a lot different in 2024. The cash-strapped organization has already released star defensive tackle Arik Armstead, and there is talk that another big-name receiver could be on the way out. While Brandon Aiyuk has been the primary focus of all trade talks, a recent report by Jason La Canfora indicates that Deebo Samuel might find a new team before the 2024 season kicks off.
With @Ravens creating cap room, some of it could be earmarked for a WR. We heard they reached out to SF about Deebo availability (that's a no, at least for now) and are watching Chargers WR situation closely (1 getting cut or traded). They obviously need edge help also
— InsideAccess1057 (@IA1057TheFan) March 13, 2024
Originally selected in the second round of the 2019 NFL Draft, the South Carolina product has established himself as one of the most electric and dangerous wide receivers in the open field. While he won’t fit every system, Deebo Samuel is impossible to take down in the open field, and it makes sense why a team like the Ravens would want to trade for him. Lamar Jackson’s insane mobility makes defenses hesitant to commit to any one route, so Samuel should have plenty of opportunities to catch the ball in the open field.
Ravens Trying To Trade For Deebo Samuel, Others Could Follow Suit
The Ravens are reportedly interested in a Deebo Samuel trade, but it’s worth noting that La Canfora says that the 49ers won’t do it, “at least for now”. This makes sense, as a trade today would only create a bit under $7 million in cap space. If the team waits until June 1st, however, San Francisco can split the dead cap hit over two seasons and effectively create $22 million in much-needed cap space. This money could go to the disgruntled Brandon Aiyuk, or it could be set aside for Brock Purdy’s inevitable extension.
Regardless of if or when a Deebo Samuel trade happens, you can bet that the Ravens won’t be the only team trying to acquire the former All-Pro. While he may never be able to recapture the magic of his 1,400-yard 2021 season, the former second-round pick is still a dangerous playmaker who is a threat to score every single time he touches the ball. In today’s offense-driven NFL, every single team would love to have a player like him on their roster, but these five teams make the most sense.
Possible Team Fits
Kansas City Chiefs
Patrick Mahomes recently restructured his contract to create additional cap space, and this could be the reason why. The Chiefs need another wide receiver, and Deebo Samuel is a trade candidate tailor-made to play in this offense. Nobody is better at scheming guys open than Andy Reid, and there is no throw that Patrick Mahomes cannot make. Kansas City’s offense wasn’t as dominant as usual last year, but they’ll go back to being their usual unstoppable selves with Mahomes throwing to Samuel, Travis Kelce, and Rashee Rice.
New England Patriots
The New England Patriots were unable to outbid the Tennessee Titans for Calvin Ridley, which means that they have a glaring hole at wide receiver and a bunch of money to burn on the position. Even though the offense will look different with Alex Van Pelt calling the plays, New England will probably still operate a quick-passing game that relies on yards after the catch. Deebo Samuel is a perfect fit for this style of play, and the Patriots could easily justify a trade for someone of his talent. With the team likely taking a quarterback in the first round, they’ll need to add some talent to support their potential franchise passer.
Carolina Panthers
The Diontae Johnson trade was a good move for the Carolina Panthers, but they should still consider adding Deebo Samuel. Johnson is phenomenal at quickly getting open, but he’s only one person. The Panthers need another player who can routinely beat man coverage, and Adam Thielen is better off as a third option at this point in his career. With the offensive line secured and a trio of reliable receivers on the field, Bryce Young will have all the firepower he needs to succeed in 2024.
Buffalo Bills
The Buffalo Bills are in a bit of a salary cap pickle, so they might have a tough time making a Deebo Samuel trade work. With that disclaimer out of the way, there is no denying how desperately this team needs some more help. Stefon Diggs is starting to slow down, Gabriel Davis is gone, and Josh Allen has to be a one-man army. While Dalton Kincaid showed some promise as a rookie, he shouldn’t be the top option in this passing attack. Samuel will add a much-needed reliable weapon in this aerial attack which will need as much firepower as it can get to match up against the elite teams of the AFC.
Miami Dolphins
The Miami Dolphins have a phenomenal wide receiver duo in Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle. However, this team could use a reliable third option, especially with Hill getting older and Waddle set to become a free agent after 2025. Head coach Mike McDaniel has plenty of familiarity with Deebo Samuel from their days together in San Francisco, and the head coach should be willing to trade a pick to reunite with the star athlete.
Main Photo: Joe Camporeale – USA Today Sports
