If Deebo Samuel asks 49ers to trade him, these 5 teams make sense
By Peter Panacy
Deebo Samuel trade partner No. 3: Detroit Lions
The 49ers would prefer to trade Deebo Samuel completely out of the NFC. If there was an inter-conference trade, perhaps the only way the Niners would consider it is if Samuel was dealt to a non-contending, rebuilding team.
Such as the lovely Detroit Lions, whose own wide receiver situation is awfully abysmal entering 2022.
Sure, the Lions may be trending in the right direction. And it might only be a couple of years before they’re back in contention under second-year head coach Dan Campbell. But finding a cornerstone piece to build around, especially if they’re looking at using the No. 2 overall NFL Draft pick on a young prospect quarterback, would be a wise choice.
Detroit also has the Los Angeles Rams’ first-round pick in this year’s draft, No. 32 overall, which could easily be used as part of a trade package for Samuel. With a projected $49-plus million in cap space in 2023, a number that could be increased if incumbent quarterback Jared Goff is jettisoned after this season, the Lions would have more than enough to offer Samuel the kind of money he’s likely seeking.
And while Samuel would be going from a Super Bowl contender to a rebuilding team, he’d at least get his hefty payout.