In the latest NFL drama that feels like a real-life episode of The Office meets Friday Night Lights, the 49ers are keeping it real about Deebo Samuel’s future. With the 2024 season stats still fresh—51 rec, 670 yds, and 3 TDs (ranking 71st in rec, 55th in yds, and tied 81st in TDs)—Deebo’s numbers may have dipped, but his impact is undeniable. Despite a 6-11 finish for the 49ers and his admission of being “a little frustrated for sure,” whispers of a trade are growing louder than a Tom Brady comeback montage.

Deebo’s journey with the Niners has been nothing short of cinematic. Yet, when he wasn’t snagging balls like a magician pulling rabbits out of hats, the offense sputtered like a ‘90s dial-up connection. Social media buzzed after his now-deleted X post, where he claimed he wasn’t struggling—just not getting the ball. Head coach Kyle Shanahan even empathized, saying, “We’d always love things to stay in-house.”

The 49ers’ 6-11 season, marred by injuries and a lackluster offensive rhythm, only added fuel to the fire. Roster moves like drafting Ricky Pearsall and extending Brandon Aiyuk signal that SF is preparing for life without its once-reliable receiver. “It was a thing at first. But going to move past it. We’re here, and we’re here to get better.”

But here’s the twist: despite being under a three-year, $71.55M contract (with a hefty $24.035M signing bonus and $58.1M guaranteed), With a $21.17M hit looming in 2025, the math is as tricky as solving a Rubik’s Cube in the dark. Even GM John Lynch once declared, “He’s a good player and has done a ton for this organization,” but now the trade train seems to be barreling down the tracks.

Rumor has it that the trade talks have been wild—“They were going back and forth with it, whoever it was,” Deebo revealed in June.

Eagles, Chiefs, and a twist of fate

Adding extra spice to the saga, Samuel was spotted rocking a Kelly green A.J. Brown jersey on radio row in New Orleans—clear evidence he’s rooting for the Eagles this Super Bowl.“I got all the love for my brother A.J. Brown over there, so I definitely want to see him win,” he declared, clearly channeling some Jerry Maguire vibes.

And when it comes to the Chiefs, his disdain is palpable: “I definitely don’t want to see Mahomes get the third one.” It’s like watching Rocky Balboa train for one last fight—raw emotion mixed with unyielding loyalty. Deebo’s Super Bowl history with the Chiefs reads like a tragic script. In SB LIV (Feb. 2, 2020), he notched 5 rec for 39 yds and added 53 rush yds on 3 carries, only to see the Niners lose a 10-point lead as the Chiefs rallied to win 31-20.

Fast forward to SB LVIII, where his 3 catches for 33 yds and 8 rush yds couldn’t stave off another Mahomes comeback, with the Niners falling 25-22. Facing Mahomes is as daunting as taking on Thanos—sometimes, no amount of heroics can change the inevitable.

Deebo’s loyalty? Questionable. But his swagger? Unmatched. Rocking Whether Samuel stays or becomes the next big move in a wild offseason trade remains up in the air. One thing’s for sure: his legacy in San Fran hangs by a thread as delicate as a Hail Mary pass in the final seconds.