In a development that now seems somewhat inevitable, San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Deebo Samuel has requested a trade.
If he does get traded, Samuel would absolutely love to end up on one of these three teams.
While we have already constructed some mock trades that would send Samuel to other teams, Samuel would probably not be thrilled to play for the Jacksonville Jaguars or Cleveland Browns.
These teams would be a much better situation for the veteran wide receiver.
Houston Texans
The Houston Texans would be a great situation for Samuel. They are clearly the best team in a very weak AFC South division and they are in need of a wide receiver or two with Stefon Diggs entering free agency and the injury to Tank Dell.
With former 49ers defensive coordinator DeMeco Ryans as Houston's head coach, that could make a deal more likely, The two franchises have worked out trades in the past after all.
Plus, Samuel would get to play with quarterback C.J. Stroud who has proven to be one of the more talented young quarterbacks in the NFL, making the playoffs in each of his first two seasons.
Perhaps Samuel would thrive in Houston.
Los Angeles Chargers
Speaking of an AFC team with a former 49ers coach as their current head coach, the Los Angeles Chargers would be a good destination for Samuel. They made the playoffs in Jim Harbaugh's first season as the coach, and even though they got beaten soundly by Houston in the postseason, they still have a solid foundation there.
Quarterback Justin Herbert is a solid player, and Samuel would instantly become one of his top weapons.
Perhaps the 49ers could even reunite the Bosa brothers in a trade by getting L.A. to include edge rusher Joey Bosa in the deal.
Miami Dolphins
The Miami Dolphins may have missed the postseason in 2024, but they are still a team to look out for in 2025. When quarterback Tua Tagavailoa is healthy, Miami's offense can be electric. Plus, Deebo would have familiarity with head coach Mike McDaniel, the former offensive coordinator in San Francisco.
With Tyreek Hill still in South Florida, he is still going to draw the attention of most opposing defenses.
That could open the door for someone like Samuel to shine with less eyes on him.
The 49ers are going to make sure that they are getting a fair return in exchange for Samuel if they do end up trading him, but it would definitely be in Samuel's best interests to end up in one of these situations where he could thrive.