ClutchPoints
The 2025 NFL offseason should have some major roster moves across the league. One name that could be at the center of trade discussions is Deebo Samuel. The versatile wide receiver has been a key figure in the San Francisco 49ers’ offense. However, with shifting financial priorities, emerging talent, and evolving team needs, the franchise may be open to moving him. If the 49ers decide to explore trade options, there will be no shortage of teams eager to acquire his unique skill set. Here, we take a look at the three best potential trade destinations for him this offseason.
At the conclusion of the 49ers’ season, general manager John Lynch stated that the team had no immediate plans to part ways with Deebo Samuel. However, that doesn’t necessarily rule out the possibility of a trade. Samuel struggled to maintain consistent production in 2024. The more the team tried to integrate him into the offense, the more their overall efficiency seemed to decline. With other offensive stars stepping up, the 49ers no longer need Samuel to be a primary weapon. This makes his hefty contract a tough pill to swallow. In this scenario, trading him could be a case of addition by subtraction. It would free up cap space and allowing the team to allocate resources elsewhere.
A member of the 2019 NFL Draft class, Samuel hasn’t matched the consistency of fellow draft mate AJ Brown. That said, he still possesses a rare combination of physicality, speed, and versatility. Sure, he hasn’t eclipsed 1,000 receiving yards since 2021. However, his ability to impact the game as both a receiver and a ball carrier remains valuable. If the 49ers decide to move on, a mid-to-late-round draft pick could be enough to facilitate a trade. Additionally, with the franchise already securing Brandon Aiyuk on a four-year, $120 million contract last offseason, it may be the right time for the 49ers to reshape their offensive approach.
Here we’ll try to rank the three best Deebo Samuel trade destinations in 2025 NFL offseason in case he leaves the San Francisco 49ers.
If Deebo Samuel is looking for a chance to be the centerpiece of an offense, few teams provide a better opportunity than the Atlanta Falcons. Atlanta’s receiving corps remains thin, and Samuel would immediately add a dynamic playmaking element to their attack. He would be an explosive weapon to complement Drake London. Yes, London thrives as a big-bodied, contested-catch specialist in the red zone. Still, Samuel excels at creating separation, gaining yards after the catch, and even contributing in the run game alongside Bijan Robinson.
Samuel’s skill set aligns perfectly with what offensive coordinator Zac Robinson looks for in a multi-dimensional receiver. Whether operating out of the slot, running quick screens, or taking handoffs on jet sweeps, Samuel would give the Falcons a level of offensive creativity they haven’t had in years. In Atlanta, he could be a true difference-maker.
