Niner Noise Podcast: Larry Krueger talks Deebo Samuel, 49ers draft crushes and more

To help make sense of what’s been a wild 49ers offseason so far, the Niner Noise Podcast pulled in a strong ally, Larry Krueger, to break it all down.

It doesn’t seem as if the San Francisco 49ers ever have a normal offseason, and 2022 is shaping up to be no different.

Only this time around, one of the Niners’ star players, All-Pro wide receiver Deebo Samuel, is trending more towards a longtime holdout instead of jelling with quarterback Trey Lance during spring workouts.

Not surprisingly, that’s led to a lot of speculation San Francisco might trade Samuel if the two sides remained locked in a stalemate with regards to Samuel’s contract-extension desires.

Larry Krueger, formerly of the 49ers’ flagship station KNBR and a prior NFL/CFL scout who is now doing excellent work on The Krueg Show, certainly thought this could be a possibility if both parties hit an impasse. Krueger, who was nice enough to drop by on the latest edition of the Niner Noise Podcast, certainly couldn’t rule out the idea of the Niners trading Samuel away if no deal could be reached and another team was willing to send off a lucrative trade package in return.

You can listen to the entire podcast below… just be sure to rate and subscribe:

Would 49ers actually trade Deebo Samuel? Larry Krueger thinks it’s possible

Fans may easily dismiss the idea of San Francisco trading away its best offensive weapon from a year ago. But Krueger pointed out there could be a notable difference between the guaranteed money Samuel wants and what the 49ers would be willing to pay.

“Deebo wants to be paid somewhere north of $60 million guaranteed,” Krueger explained. “The 49ers are thinking more like $35 [million] or $45 million guaranteed in that range. That’s an impasse. That’s a significant difference in opinion of value.”

On one hand, the Niners could wait this out later into the offseason. Lucrative extensions weren’t completed for other star players like linebacker Fred Warner and tight end George Kittle until training camp.

However, in light of so many other top-notch wide receivers receiving their own lucrative deals this offseason, it’s possible San Francisco is coerced to trade Samuel to the highest bidder.

Krueger speculated the New York Jets, who were highly in the mix for now-Miami Dolphins wideout Tyreek Hill, could aggressively try trading for Samuel, too.

49ers 2022 NFL Draft crush, according to Larry Krueger

Of course, it’s NFL Draft season (it’s always draft season).

On a previous episode of the Niner Noise Podcast, Niner Noise alumnus and current Striking Gold Podcast host Rob Lowder felt the offensive line should be the 49ers’ top priority in the 2022 NFL Draft.

Krueger is looking back at the secondary, though, listing Maryland safety Nick Cross as the Niners’ top potential target.

It’s hard to argue. Cross, a hard-hitting defensive back with plenty of speed, could potentially lock down a free safety role, thereby allowing a veteran like Jimmie Ward to drop down closer to the box as he gets up there in age.

Who else did Krueger think might be an excellent fit for San Francisco? You’ll have to listen to the rest of the Niner Noise Podcast to find out.

Additionally, be sure to head over to YouTube and Spotify to watch and subscribe to The Krueg Show. You won’t regret it.