3 reasons why 49ers could still trade Deebo Samuel this offseason

While things are looking brighter, there are still scenarios where the 49ers could theoretically trade Deebo Samuel this offseason.

Watch, by the time this article goes live, the San Francisco 49ers announce some massive extension for All-Pro wide receiver Deebo Samuel, right?

At least at the time of these words being typed out, no such thing has happened. Samuel’s rookie contract is still set to expire at the end of the 2022 season.

Despite the controversy surrounding his trade request earlier this season, a couple of things have taken place since that suggest the Niners’ No. 1 offensive weapon isn’t going anywhere anytime soon

First, the 2022 NFL Draft came and went. As soon as Round 1 was in the books, San Francisco fans breathed a sigh of relief that no trade materialized despite there being no shortage of speculation one could possibly go down for him.

Second, in case you hadn’t noticed, Samuel elected to tap “follow” on the 49ers’ official Instagram page:

Granted, liking a team page on social media is far from rescinding a trade request, and no news on that front has been announced.

However, in light of everything else that’s gone on with Samuel the last few weeks, all this is surely a step in the right direction.

But, to play the skeptic, there are still scenarios in which the Niners would look to deal the “wide back” prior to Week 1.

Is it likely or imminent? No. Not at all. And it probably wouldn’t be in San Francisco’s best interests anyway.

Still, let’s explore some reasons why the 49ers could actually do this, trading away Samuel in what would still be a lucrative return package between now and Week 1.