The trade rumors surrounding Brandon Aiyuk in recent weeks have been loud, but he isn’t the only San Francisco 49ers receiver who has had to go through trade rumors this offseason.
Deebo Samuel has also seen his name surface in rumors and reportedly was dangled once again during the first few days of the NFL Draft, and now we have heard from the man himself regarding the rumors.
The Athletic’s Dianna Russini reported that she spoke with Samuel directly and asked him how he felt about the team drafting his potential replacement in Florida WR Ricky Pearsall, and he said “I know what’s going on, but it is what it is. I’m good staying with them. I’m chilling.”
I spoke to Deebo Samuel on the phone and asked his reaction to the 49ers’ drafting of his potential replacement, and to the reports that they explored trading him. “I know what’s going on,” he said, “but it is what it is. I’m good staying with them. I’m chilling.”
— Dianna Russini (@DMRussini) April 26, 2024
Many assumed the Pearsall pick would represent an Aiyuk replacement, but the possibility of replacing Samuel was a bit surprising.
Samuel has two years left on his contract, while Aiyuk has just one and will be heading into the fifth-year option of his rookie deal.
Aiyuk emerged as the top option last season while Samuel put up 60 catches for 892 yards and seven touchdowns, as Aiyuk’s chemistry with Brock Purdy continues to blossom and general manager John Lynch has stated he wants Aiyuk to finish his career in SF.
The Niners can’t pay everybody, and there’s a world where they’ll have to choose between Samuel and Aiyuk.
If Ricky Pearsall turns out to be good, he could make the eventual loss much more palatable, but it appears for now the Niners will have all three on the roster.
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