Sportsnaut
After six productive seasons as a star wide receiver/occasional rusher with the San Francisco 49ers, Deebo Samuel spent last season with the Washington Commanders instead. The former All-Pro was still productive, hauling in 72 receptions for 727 yards and five touchdowns. But now the 30-year-old playmaker is a free agent again, and he’s looking to play another season.
The question is, where? Here are five potential destinations for the Pro Bowl receiver before training camps get underway.
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Who says you can’t go home? While the 49ers have a full receiver depth chart led by Mike Evans, Ricky Pearsall, Christian Kirk, and second-round rookie De’Zhaun Stribling, there’s no guarantee Kirk or Stribling produce this season. The 49ers may prefer the familiarity they have in Samuel, who racked up a ridiculous 1,770 yards from scrimmage in 2021, clearly his best season. Samuel wouldn’t return to a starring role, but he’d have no problems fitting in with his old buds in the Bay Area.
In George Pickens and CeeDee Lamb, the Dallas Cowboys have two of the NFL’s best receivers. But the depth drops off after that. Adding Samuel would ensure Prescott has a full complement of weapons to throw too, further elevating an offense that already ranked seventh in scoring a year ago. While he may not have the long-term upside of other younger competitors, the Cowboys are trying to win now, and Samuel can help them do that.
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If Samuel’s looking to join a contender where he can still have a chance at winning his first Super Bowl ring, then he won’t join the Miami Dolphins this season. However, if Samuel is looking for opportunities to play and catch a lot of footballs, then he could find a perfect home in Miami. Samuel spent four seasons with Bobby Slowik, who now operates as the Dolphins’ offensive coordinator. With pass-catching opportunities wide open in Miami, Samuel could secure a starring role.
Many predicted the Los Angeles Rams would use their first-round pick on a receiver, knowing that Puka Nacua and Davante Adams are both on expiring contracts. The Rams picked a developmental QB instead, but the Myles Garrett trade shows LA is all in on this season. Still in need of a reliable third receiver, Samuel could fit the Rams’ needs perfectly, and they’d give him the best shot at getting a Super Bowl ring on his finger too. Plus, a chance to get revenge on the 49ers at least twice this year could provide even more fuel for Samuel to keep his competitive fire burning.
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