Where will Deebo go?
Wide receiver Deebo Samuel and the 49ers seem like they’re headed for a split this offseason, with contract issues at the forefront of whatever divorce may come.
Samuel is coming off a career season, but is entering a contract year in 2023: Some reports suggest that he’s dissatisfied with his role, while others claim he’s strictly just out for a new deal heading into the new year.
49ERS DRAFT PICKS: When does San Francisco pick in the 2022 NFL Draft?
Whatever the case may be, the potential break-up is very public and very abrupt. Here’s the latest on where things stand between Samuel and San Francisco:
Deebo Samuel trade rumors
Jets considered the front-runners in Samuel sweepstakes
Date: April 27
Source: Jeremy Fowler, ESPN
ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler reports that many around the league believe the Jets to be in the driver’s seat in Samuel trade talks. The Jets have been hot after a No. 1 wideout this offseason.
‘Discomfort’ in the Area
Date: April 26
Source: Tim Kawakami, The Athletic
No one likes discomfort, even those in the Bay Area. The Athletic’s Tim Kawakami reports that Samuel may be closer to getting his trade request granted, with the wideout causing “discomfort” among front office brass.
Deebo expected to be moved
Date: April 25
Source: Daniel Jeremiah, NFL Network
NFL Network’s Daniel Jeremiah reports that Samuel is expected to be moved, citing league sources. This flies in the face of Lynch’s comments from earlier:
.@MoveTheSticks on Deebo Samuel trade talks⤵️
“The people I talked to this morning say there’s a good chance he gets traded…it changed over the last 2 days from: ‘I dont think the #49ers would ever do it,’ to ‘I think there’s a good chance they trade him.”
via @RichEisenShow pic.twitter.com/Tz1K9caIkV
— Sterling Bennett (@49ers_Access) April 26, 2022
John Lynch has faith Samuel will stay
Date: April 25
Source: Mike Garafolo, NFL Network; Aaron Wilson, Pro Football Network
Speaking at a pre-draft press conference, 49ers GM John Lynch said he believes that the 49ers and the wide receiver will be able to work through their issues, leaving some room that a solution to keep Samuel in the Bay Area could be afoot.
#49ers GM John Lynch says at his pre-draft press conference he won’t talk much about Deebo Samuel because those talks should remain private but said he’s “confident we can find the solutions to work through whatever is going on.”
— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) April 25, 2022
John Lynch on Deebo Samuel: ‘I’m not going to get into the particulars. I’m not going there, guys. I’m very understanding. I don’t think it’s in anyone’s best interest to get into the particulars. I can’t imagine wanting to move on from Deebo. He’s just too good of a player’
— Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) April 25, 2022
Deebo visits the nightclub
Date: April 25
Source: Instagram
A video of Deebo at a nightclub surfaces, with the wideout potentially reacting to a sign that says “Deebo Is Staying 49ers.” The wide receiver didn’t take kindly to the sign, making a throat-slash gesture, likely signifying that he’s got one foot out of the door already.
MORE: Nightclub video latest evidence Deebo Samuel wants to move on from 49ers
Jets could offer No. 10 overall pick for Samuel
Date: April 23
Source: Tony Pauline, Pro Football Network
The Jets could be going big-game hunting, and they’re loaded with the draft ammo needed: Tony Pauline reports that the Jets could trade for Deebo Samuel, and they would be willing to send the No. 10 overall pick to the 49ers in exchange for the wideout.
Rumors: #Jets are willing to trade the 10th pick for Deebo Samuel, per @TonyPauline
— JPA Football (@jpafootball) April 24, 2022
