We have heard his name come up before in trade speculation, and it isn't the first time he has even broached a trade request.
But now, alas, it looks like the San Francisco 49ers may indeed be prepared and ready to pull the trigger on granting wide receiver Deebo Samuel his request. And it sure seems as if the Niners will oblige this time around.
Well, at least the part about Samuel playing elsewhere in 2025. Whether his departure is via a trade or an outright release, the 2021 first-team All-Pro seems destined to don another uniform this upcoming season.
However it happens, Samuel's likely exit provides a pair of San Francisco second-year pros a notable boost and opportunity entering the new season.
1. Ricky Pearsall
Fellow wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk received his long-term contract prior to his midseason ACL and MCL injury. While he may not be ready to start the regular season, the 49ers still have a better wide receiver than most other teams.
Jauan Jennings proved his worth in 2024. On the heels of his own extension, the four-year veteran became a more viable option than Aiyuk or Samuel.
The 27-year-old Jennings had a career year with 77 receptions for 975 yards along with six touchdowns.
That's the kind of production the Niners' top pick from the 2024 NFL Draft, Ricky Pearsall, should be projected for 2025.
Head coach Kyle Shanahan pointed out the strides his rookie made last year, especially after the former Florida Gator suffered a life-threatening gunshot wound in an attempted robbery just days before the regular season began:
"You see it really each practice with Ricky, just because he has been so limited in his stuff. But he picks it up fast. His stamina gets better and better, and he's got a real natural feel for the game and now it's about just getting a feel within our offense. And I think it's gotten better each week."
The frightening incident caused Pearsall to miss the first four games, but with 31 receptions, 400 yards and three touchdowns, he produced nearly half of Jennings' numbers while getting 2.7 times less targets.
Shanahan has a number of running backs slated to return: Christian McCaffrey and Isaac Guerendo, while it's possible free-agent rushers Elijah Mitchell and Jordan Mason return. Should it be Brock Purdy as the 49ers' quarterback, he still has Jennings and tight end George Kittle to throw to.
Thus, with a probable Samuel departure and Aiyuk's recovery, Pearsall immediately comes into the discussion of top receivers in the 49ers' locker room.
His snaps, targets and stats all stand to increase making him the primary beneficiary of Samuel leaving the team.
2. Jacob Cowing
The other rookie wide receiver from last season should also benefit from Samuel leaving. Jacob Cowing suited up for San Francisco in 15 of their 17 games and could see a dramatic boost in opportunities, given the above context.
In 2024, Cowing was only targeted six times as he hauled in four grabs. He collected 80 yards with his longest reception being for 41 yards.
Cowing was also tagged with being a part of the special teams unit. He tallied 25 punt returns with 245 yards cumulated. He signaled 11 fair catches.
Yes, in addition to Pearsall, Cowing is in line for his number being called more in San Francisco's playbook.
These pair of receivers are about to be trusted with more responsibility on offense should the 49ers finally move on from Samuel.