The NFL can be straight-up wild sometimes for the players. From getting drafted to turning into an absolute beast on the field—that’s the dream, right? But when a guy asks for a trade? Yeah, something’s definitely off. Now, some may think the reason can be contract issues, while others believe that the player’s looking for a Super Bowl ring. But nope, that’s not the case of Deebo Samuel.

His reason? Dissatisfaction with his hybrid role ever since the 2021 season. Look, the head coach used Samuel both as a wide receiver and versatile backfield weapon, handing him the ball as a running back and confusing defenses. The result? It’s the second time the 29-year-old wideout asked for a trade in the last three years. And this time, the 49ers permitted him. Now, the big question—who’s gonna replace him?

That’s where the 49ers’ tight end, George Kittle, comes in. When he asked about Samuel’s replacement by Mackenzie Salmon in a recent interview, he straight up declared that Samuel is irreplaceable. “You can’t really replace Deebo. I think he’s one of the most unique players in the NFL because of what he can do,” he said. True!

On top of that, the tight end also described his wideout as one of the best yards-after-catch (YAC) and praised him for his versatility. “He’s the greatest, best YAC guy…he’s so good when he gets the ball in his hands,” he further added. “The fact that you can line him up in the slot, out wide, in the backfield and do all the fun stuff with him and he breaks tackles, he runs like a running back and he has the burst, he has the speed, and he has the agility to get away from guys too. He’s just such a unique player. I don’t think you can really replace him.” 

Huh! But isn’t that the reason why Samuel requested for a trade and now he’s exiting San Francisco? Sure, Deebo is one of the best player in the 49ers’ offense but still, they need a replacement now. Kittle believes that the team has to build the O-line a bit differently in 2025. Leaving Samuel, the team got Brandon Aiyuk, Jauan Jennings, and Ricky Pearsall on their offense.

Well, according to Kittle, Aiyuk may not return in the first week considering his torn ACL. As for Jennings and Pearsall, the tight end is pretty confident that they’re ready to step up for the bigger roles. Then there’s the running back, Christian McCaffery, who’s returning after multiple injuries in 2025, including his season-ending PCL sprain. Hmm, the San Francisco team’s got the depth they’re looking for in 2025.

Sure, McCaffrey’s gonna stack up the 49ers’ offense, and Jennings and Pearsall will step up. But Samuel? Well, according to Kittle, replacing him is gonna be a tough ask, and the team knows it very well. “Deebo’s a hell of a football player,” Kittle said. “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.”

However, this isn’t the only farewell from the 49ers’ locker room. Believe me, the team’s shaking the sidelines when it comes to releasing their players.

After Deebo Samuel, it’s a goodbye for the 49ers’ LB

After granting permission to Deebo Samuel for trade who played six seasons with the team, the 49ers are all set to move on from their linebacker, Demetrius Flannigan-Fowles. Yeah, you read that right. Flannigan-Fowles, who had been playing with the Niners for the last five seasons, was set to become an unrestricted free agent in March. With the team dropping this news early, the LB now gets a head start on checking out his NFL options this offseason.

In his five-year stint with the San Francisco team, the LB started seven out of 73 games that he appeared in. His track record? Umm, good enough to get a pretty deal in 2o25. He recorded 59 tackles, 1.0 sacks, three passes defended, one interception and 37 special teams tackles. And now he’s gotta find a perfect match for his future in the NFL.

On the flip side, the organization also offered one-year contracts to players who are exclusive-rights free agents (ERFAs). It includes the defensive linemen, Evan Anderson, Sam Okuayinonu, and Alex Barrett. Besides the DLs, the team has confirmed one more year for linebacker, Jalen Graham, offensive lineman, Austen Pleasants, and the tight ends, Jake Tonges and Brayden Willis.

Looks like Kyle Shanahan is gearing up to flip the tables after an embarrassing 6-11 in the last season. After all, the team has been looking for their next Super Bowl for decades. And after losing in the 2023 season Super Bowl, they surely want to bounce back and clinch that title in 2025.