With the 2022 NFL draft just around the corner, news of players requesting trades has started with a bang.
As first reported by ESPN’s Jeff Darlington, 49ers WR Deebo Samuel has formally requested a trade from the team. There have been some rumors of discontent for a while with Samuel having scrubbed his Instagram account of all 49ers-related images earlier this offseason. Those only intensified this week when Samuel’s brother commented on the situation.
According to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, this trade request came over a week ago. He added that money is not the issue at the root of Samuel’s trade request. Speculation suggests that this could have more to do with his role or the upcoming quarterback switch with the 49ers than a contract dispute.
Breaking News: I just spoke to wide receiver Deebo Samuel — and he told me that he has asked the 49ers to trade him.
He did not want to discuss specific reasons behind his request, but he has indeed let the 49ers know his desire to leave the organization. More to come.
— Jeff Darlington (@JeffDarlington) April 20, 2022
The Kansas City Chiefs are expected to be one of the teams heavily linked to Samuel in a trade scenario for a variety of reasons. Not only do they have the need after trading away star WR Tyreek Hill to the Miami Dolphins earlier this offseason, but they’re one of the few teams with the draft capital required to accomplish the trade. They have 12 picks in the 2022 NFL draft and they’re projected to have 10 draft picks in the 2023 NFL draft.
Remember, the Chiefs were also willing to pay Hill and negotiated a contract extension with him before deciding to trade him. The Chiefs are likely able to afford whatever type of contract extension that Samuel is looking for as he enters the final year of his rookie deal.
There’s also the fact that Chiefs GM Brett Veach has been aggressive when it comes to trading for proven veterans. Since taking over as GM following the 2017 NFL draft, Veach has made just one first-round draft pick after trading to acquire Frank Clark (2019) and Orlando Brown Jr. (2021). A trade like this should be enticing to him.
Samuel had a breakout campaign with San Francisco last season, earning First-Team All-Pro honors and a Pro Bowl selection for the first time in his career. He had 77 catches for 1,405 yards and six touchdowns, but also carried the ball 59 times for 365 yards and eight scores. Over the past three seasons, Samuel has averaged 15.6 yards per reception and 6.8 yards per rushing attempt. That type of versatility is something that could thrive in an Andy Reid offense.
