For the better part of the offseason, San Francisco 49ers wide receivers Brandon Aiyuk and Deebo Samuel have been the focus of trade talks. Aiyuk has been the primary recipient of these rumors, as the former first-round pick is entering the final year of his contract and is openly upset with the team. However, in the days leading up to the 2024 NFL Draft, some believed San Francisco could part ways with former All-Pro Deebo Samuel.
These trade rumors make sense, as the 49ers probably don’t have the financial resources to keep Deebo Samuel and Brandon Aiyuk on long-term deals. San Francisco mortgaged their future for Trey Lance, meaning they don’t have enough cost-controlled young talent to maintain a healthy salary cap. Additionally, what little money they do have is set aside for Brock Purdy’s inevitable extension. These salary woes combined with the selections of first-round pick Ricky Pearsall and fourth-round pick Jacob Cowing heavily suggest that either Aiyuk or Samuel is not in the long-term plans.
General Manager John Lynch, however, seems to think that the window to trade Deebo Samuel or Brandon Aiyuk has closed. Speaking to reporters, Lynch acknowledged discussing potential deals but noted that “we’re past [trade talks] now.”
John Lynch: 49ers Won’t Trade Deebo Samuel, Brandon Aiyuk
John Lynch talks a strong game, but it’s hard to take his word at face value. Deebo Samuel and Brandon Aiyuk are both great players, but the 49ers would be foolish to stop entertaining trade offers. As mentioned above, the team cannot afford to keep both players and needs more cost-controlled talent. San Francisco’s depth chart is overflowing with receiver, so they should be able to get by in the short term without one of their big-name stars.
Chances are, Lynch is simply trying to bolster the trade value of Deebo Samuel and Brandon Aiyuk. The team clearly wants a haul for both players, and telling the media that he’s done engaging in trade talks is a good way to try and bump up another team’s offer. While any team can make a move for these star players, the following five teams make the most sense.
Possible Destinations
Pittsburgh Steelers
The Steelers are trying to trade for a star wide receiver, and Brandon Aiyuk and Deebo Samuel are two of the most likely targets. George Pickens can be the top option in a passing attack, but somebody must replace Diontae Johnson. Aiyuk and Samuel would both be good fits in this offense, and the present-day version of Russell Wilson needs two playmakers to lead a high-functioning offense.
Los Angeles Chargers
The Chargers have one promising playmaker in Ladd McConkey but lack a proven option in this passing attack. Justin Herbert is phenomenal, but nobody can succeed with Quentin Johnston, DJ Chark, and Josh Palmer. Deebo Samuel and Brandon Aiyuk would be perfect fits for Greg Roman’s offense, and Los Angeles has the cap space to trade for one of them. This team needs all the firepower it can get to keep up with the Chiefs and threaten for the AFC West crown.
Carolina Panthers
The Panthers have a collection of adequate receivers in Diontae Johnson and Adam Thielen along with a high-risk, high-reward first-round pick in Xavier Legette. While this grouping has potential, they could still use a proven trade candidate like Brandon Aiyuk or Deebo Samuel. In the past, elite receivers like Stefon Diggs, Tyreek Hill, and A.J. Brown have helped young quarterback reach their ceilings, and the same could happen with Bryce Young and one of San Francisco’s playmakers.
Baltimore Ravens
The Ravens gave Lamar Jackson two reliable receivers in 2023, and he responded by winning MVP. With Odell Beckham already announcing his departure, Baltimore could upgrade the position with a Brandon Aiyuk or Deebo Samuel trade. Devontez Walker is the only notable addition to the receiver room, so either 49er would be a massive upgrade.
New Orleans Saints
The Saints would need to get creative with the salary cap to make this one work, but they are the best in the league at creating spending money. Dennis Allen is probably out of a job if he can’t reach the playoffs next year, and general manager Mickey Loomis has never shied away from aggressive transactions. With this in mind, New Orleans could go all-in on 2024 and trade for either Deebo Samuel or Brandon Aiyuk. Derek Carr is only as good as his surroundings, so the Saints should give him the best supporting cast possible if they want to claim their first NFC South title since the Drew Brees Era.
Main Photo: Mark J. Rebilas – USA Today Sports
