49ers depth chart: Predicting each wide receiver’s role in 2022

49ers wide receiver Deebo Samuel (the wide back star threat)

San Francisco wisely avoided giving into temptation and trading Deebo Samuel earlier this offseason despite his frustrations amid contract-extension negotiations and his request to be moved.

And why would the 49ers want to do so anyway? Especially after Samuel recorded 1,770 all-purpose yards during the regular season a year ago, third most in the entire NFL.

Granted, 365 of those yards came on the ground, and Samuel might understandably not want to embrace the “wide back” role colloquially given to him, particularly knowing the added wear and tear will assuredly shorten his career.

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That said, Samuel’s dual-threat capabilities are what makes him unique, and it’s hard to think of him not wanting the ball in key situations, even if the game calls for a run play.

There’s a little bit of tug-of-war here regarding Samuel’s use in 2022, but it’s highly likely the Niners will revert back a bit and use him in more of a standard wide receiver role.

The slight change could cut into Samuel’s overall production this season, yet he should still easily be viewed as San Francisco’s No. 1 offensive threat, getting the lion’s share of targets and probably having no difficulty getting close or even over 1,200 yards receiving.

Aside from big money, that’s a great way to placate a top-end player.