The anticipation is that the San Francisco 49ers will release Deebo Samuel instead of trading him this offseason. According to one beat writer source, the 49ers probably will let go of Samuel as a post-June 1st cut since it saves them money. There’s a new rumor that Bleacher Report expects the 49ers not to get a lot of return for Samuel which could ring true considering his injury and lack of production in recent memory. San Francisco shouldn’t risk their financial situation as they already extended Brandon Aiyuk to a blockbuster contract last offseason.
It probably won’t bode well for Samuel who’s been an excelling option when he did thrive as a dependable pass catcher. Unless there’s someone out there who offers the 49ers at least a first-round pick, Samuel is here to stay until the very last minute. Despite that, he still has a lot of promise with a frame that guarantees him he will get a chance with a new roster after recording 77 catches for 1,405 yards and six touchdowns. Although his production has been dropping last 2024 campaign, he should be in line to earn a lucrative deal to help revive his NFL career.
The only question that remains is who could be the highest bidder in this situation. Even the highest one is probably in favor but it won’t be much as he anticipates. However, the Chargers, Commanders could be those candidates.
REPORT: 49ers Will Release Star Wide Receiver Deebo Samuel, Not Trade Him – Chargers, Commanders Highest Bidders?
New Life for Herbert
The Los Angeles Chargers spent the majority of last offseason building the ground game and defensive trenches but have yet to do much for the wide receiving department. This led the Chargers to scramble for new weapons to assist quarterback Justin Herbert, signing Jalen Reagor so there wasn’t a capable wideout out there for him other than rookie Ladd McConkey. It didn’t get the Chargers too far even though they’ve gone to at least the wild card round. However, the team should make it a priority to get some star wideouts to pair with Herbert to give him some exceptional life that will beat out teams like the Ravens, Chiefs and Bengals who have stellar wide receivers themselves.
It’s hard to imagine McConkey will carry the pass-catching unit again so the Chargers should be in the market for a wide receiver. While signing Tee Higgins is a high probability, that shouldn’t stop them from going after Deebo Samuel. These two wideouts in the unit should give Herbert plenty of firepower for a deep run in the postseason.
McLaurin’s Incoming Duo?
Meanwhile, the Commanders were in a similar situation but with a new quarterback in the lineup, the team got further in the postseason than anyone anticipated. Terry McLaurin got his shine this 2024 campaign even with a bleak depth chart behind him with Noah Brown and Olamide Zaccheaus. With both Brown and Zaccheaus becoming free agents, the Commanders should be looking for a significant upgrade. The good news is they have the cap space to make moves again like they did last offseason.
If Washington wants to see more out of quarterback Jayden Daniels, the team should aggressively pursue the best of the best. Samuel might not be as explosive as before but a new scenery shift should boost his stock around a capable offense that is getting better each year.
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