Deebo Samuel wants to be traded, that was made clear this week. Reports are that it was actually made clear to the San Francisco 49ers last week. Here are the top five trade destinations for Deebo Samuel:
Five: New Orleans Saints
The Saints are a receiver-needy squad that is welcoming back WR Michael Thomas. He missed all of last season with an ankle injury. After Thomas however, the Saints have myriad of questions among the wide receivers.
Marquez Callaway, Tre’Quan Smith and Lil’Jordan Humphrey are each slated to be back in the fold, but none stepped up in 2021. Deebo Samuel would be a huge upgrade for this team. The main question would be if they can afford it. The only team with a worse salary cap issue than the Packers going into the 2022 off-season, was the Saints.
Four: Green Bay Packers
The only reason why Green Bay isn’t higher on this list is because it’s doubtful the 49ers trade Deebo to the Packers. For decades the Packers and 49ers have been conference rivals and playoff opponents. However within one hour of the Deebo Samuel news breaking that he wanted to be traded, the Packers were listed as a team of interest.
We all know that the Packers lost two of their top three wide receivers this off-season and were willing to pay both. While money is tight, Green Bay has shown willingness to pay top dollar to wide receivers. It just depends if they’re willing to pay top dollar and give up premium draft picks (if the 49ers accepted).
Three: Cleveland Browns
The Cleveland Browns have been actively trying to re-sign Jarvis Landry, knowing he wants a big contract. After trading for Desean Watson, they need weapons around him. If the Jarvis Landry deal falls through (he was visiting this Saints this week) look for Cleveland to target other wide receivers.
The only hang up? Cleveland currently doesn’t have a first round pick until 2025. If they want to put a trade package together for Deebo Samuel they are going to have to get extremely creative. However the 49ers would be enticed to trade Deebo out of the conference.
Two: New England Patriots
The New England Patriots have failed to get a grasp on acquiring great wide receivers for several years now. That can all change though if the front office can persuade the 49ers to agree to a trade for Deebo Samuel. An elite receiver is missing from this team right now and Samuel’s presence would only help in developing Mac Jones.
The Patriots have future salary cap space as well as being in a different conference on their side. Bill Belichick is one of the best to ever do it. If anyone can find a way to trade for a star wide receiver, it’s Bill.
One: New York Jets
The New York Jets are my favorite destination for Deebo Samuel. They have the high draft capital. The Jets have the salary cap to pay Deebo, and they are in a different conference from the 49ers. If the 49ers get serious about trading Deebo Samuel, the New York Jets may be their best bet.
The Jets have been looking for weapons for new quarterback Zach Wilson and Deebo could be it. The Jets lost out on the Tyreek Hill sweepstakes, have been reaching out about AJ Brown, Deebo Samuel could be next on their list.
Honorable Mentions
There are a few teams who may be listed as teams of interest, but won’t be as likely to trade for Deebo:
- Indianapolis Colts
- Kansas City Chiefs
- Philadelphia Eagles
- Detroit Lions
- Dallas Cowboys
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