By all accounts, Deebo Samuel is one of the key players of the San Francisco 49ers, and the 29-year-old WR knows it too. That’s why, last offseason, while recovering from injuries, battling pneumonia, and facing trade talks, a motivated Samuel confessed, “In my mind, I’m doing everything possible to be in the best shape [I can]. Being the best player, being the best version of myself to come back and continue to help this team go on those runs that we know that we’re capable of.” He was ready to give his all for his Santa Clara team.

But a year has passed, and things have changed significantly.

Deebo Samuel, who is about to hit the free agency market this offseason, has a quite clear vision this time. He has already expressed his desire to be traded. But wait! Probably, the NFL media misunderstood what he wanted to convey. That’s the reason he took no time to slam the people involved in making up stories.

On Friday, Deebo Samuel shared a random post that featured his quote – “When You’re The Best Player In The Locker Room That’s A Problem.” It also stated that Samuel’s comment came on the condition that he ‘wants to be traded to a Super Bowl contender.‘ This alleged comment irked him, as the WR responded, “Like what’s wrong with yall folks… like I said folks make any story for clicks. Carryon!!! Not once said this!”

With his “best player” and “problem” comments, Deebo Samuel thinks that the media misunderstood him. Yes! According to him, they assumed his words hinted at his desire to be surrounded by elite talent. Something like possibly fueling speculation about a trade to a Super Bowl contender team. He wanted the 49ers to be in the SB 2024 like they were in 2023. However, the past season didn’t end well for them due to multiple injuries and the O-line’s arguably inefficient games (didn’t pass or run block efficiently). So, Samuel apparently wasn’t prepared for this.

Now whether he wants to go to the winningest team or not, that’s debatable. But one thing is clear: Deebo Samuel intends to leave the 49ers and push for a trade this time.

Deebo Samuel moves on, but are the 49ers still holding on?

Deebo Samuel was moving forward in 2024 with the final year of his three-year, $71.55 million contract. Now the season has ended, and his contract will soon be too. Till now, the 49ers haven’t reportedly approached him to sign a deal with him. But you can’t blame them either. Before anything would have happened, the 49ers’s WR demanded a trade from them. However, his teammate George Kittle doesn’t want this to happen. But he is helpless too.

During an interview on Wednesday, Kittle said, “I don’t think you can really replace him. We’re just going to have to build our offense a little bit differently because we don’t have that available to us. But Deebo’s a hell of a football player. I’ve loved being his teammate, I’ve loved sharing the field with him, I’ve loved going to war with him. If that is what happens and he gets traded, I’ll be very sad.” Nevertheless, Kittle also expressed that he would be happy to see his friend land on a team where Samuel wants to. But the question is where?

According to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, “I was told several teams have expressed interest. At least preliminary talks on a potential trade have happened between Samuel, his agent, and his team. The question is, are these teams willing to wait him out to force the 49ers to potentially cut him or not.” No doubt, Deebo Samuel’s future with Kyle Shanahan’s team is hanging by a thread.

If they trade him, they’ll take a brutal $31.55 million dead cap hit. So, what’s the way to soften the blow? Well, wait until after June 1 and spread it out – $10.75 million this year, $20.8 million next year. But the 49ers don’t have much time. Why? It’s because a huge deadline looms. If they don’t move him before March 22, they’ll owe Deebo Samuel a massive $47 million. Other teams are keeping an eye on what’s happening. Hence, they are just waiting for the 49ers to cut him and sign him on their terms. But here’s the problem.

San Francisco is already juggling big contracts and needs to lock in Brock Purdy. Meanwhile, Deebo Samuel’s numbers last season weren’t great – 51 catches, 670 yards, and just three touchdowns. That’s why Shanahan’s team too wants the divorce from the WR. It’s a tough call indeed. Let’s see what happens next!