49ers 2022 NFL Draft: Latest news, rumors and reports ahead of Day 1
By Peter Panacy
49ers NFL Draft rumor: Jets actually in on Deebo Samuel?
Thirty-one other teams should have a vested interest in Deebo Samuel if he’s indeed available.
One of the stronger cases, though, could be made for the New York Jets, who need more weaponry to help second-year quarterback Zach Wilson and already have two former 49ers assistants, head coach Robert Saleh and offensive coordinator Mike LaFleur, in the building to help with a transition.
The Jets were actively pursuing now-Miami Dolphins wide receiver Tyreek Hill when the Kansas City Chiefs made him available, so we know New York won’t hesitate to be aggressive. And according to Pro Football Network’s Tony Pauline, the Jets would be willing to part ways with one of their two picks in the top 10, No. 10 overall, in a deal for Samuel.
There was some speculation a bigger offer was in place, one that included that particular pick, other selections and wide receiver Elijah Moore, yet that was refuted by NFL insider Matt Lombardo:
I’m told per multiple league sources there is “zero” truth to the #Jets offering any sort of package that included No. 10, No. 35, Elijah Moore, etc. to the #49ers for Deebo Samuel. #NFL
— Matt Lombardo 🏈 (@MattLombardoNFL) April 27, 2022
Back and forth. Nothing new during NFL Draft season.
Again, there can be plenty of smoke-and-mirrors efforts this time of year, but the only real takeaway here is no one knows for certain what’s on the table aside from those actually involved.