When you think of the 49ers’ offense over the last few years, it’s inevitable for Deebo Samuel’s name to not strike your mind. He’s been an all-weapon, a wide receiver, a running back, but here’s the thing, Deebo’s getting tired of being everything but a true No. 1 wide receiver. According to reports, he’s been growing more and more frustrated with how he’s been used by San Francisco. He doesn’t want to be a tool guy anymore, he wants to be treated like a top WR, someone who racks up big-time receiving numbers. And this frustration has officially hyped the trade talks now.

Interestingly, the best offer the 49ers have reportedly gotten so far for him? A fifth-round pick. Can you believe it? Deebo Samuel has been a Pro Bowler, an All-Pro, and at times, the heart of the 49ers’ offense is being valued like a depth piece. Trust me. We are as shocked as you are. Insiders are calling the offer “insulting,” and honestly, it shows how tricky Deebo’s trade market is. His versatility is a blessing and a curse in trade talks. Teams are hesitant about giving up premium assets for a player who’s been used as more of a hybrid than a pure WR1.

Agreed that in 2024, Deebo Samuel’s numbers weren’t the best. But his dual role had him splitting time between catching passes and running the ball. Over the 15 games, he drew 51 catches for 670 yards and just 3 touchdowns, with an average of 13.1 yards per catch. Which is nice but we’ve seen him better. Which is nice but we’ve seen him better. On the ground, he added 136 rushing yards and one touchdown on 42 carries, averaging just 3.2 yards per attempt. For a guy who once set the “wide back” role, this underwhelming performance is frustrating for both Deebo and the 49ers.

So, where does Deebo go from here? We Bet teams like the Patriots, Ravens, or even the Panthers are in a quest to pick the top talent and would be eyeing him. The thing is, his next team will be required to balance Deebo’s paycheck with the contract extension as he wants it.

So who’s buying what Deebo Samuel’s selling?

The NFL world drove into comparisons as soon as Deebo hit the trade block. He’s a WR who can dominate through tackles like a running back, and still grab contested catches downfield. All these affect his trade value stack up against other big-name receivers on the market, but it doesn’t follow a straight path. Deebo had his fair share of bumps and bruises, and honestly, you expect that when you sign up to play RB part-time. Teams are definitely weighing that against players like Courtland Sutton or Marquise Brown, who might come with fewer miles on their legs. But Deebo’s physicality is unmatchable, nobody’s forgetting his catching passes, breaking tackles, and crushing defenders.

Deebo Samuel is a wildcard of the NFL trade world. We may agree that the teams are hesitant, and would rather look for a pure WR1. But how does his trade offer compare to other WRs in the Big League such as Tee Higgins? Tee is younger, and fits the traditional WR1 mold better. Hence, the front office knows what exactly they’re bidding for. I mean, Higgins got the $21.8m Cincinnati Bengals tag for 2024, but with contract talks stalling, he’s fed up and officially wants out. Several teams are showing interest, and even the Steelers have potentially offered up to $30 million annually to have him.

Then we have Mike Evans. Older? Sure. But his walking 1,000-yard season marked him as a premium asset, teams love his consistency and see him as an instant setup WR1. Hence, safe to say, that he can be a high-value trade target. On March 4, 2024, he signed a two-year contract with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers for a $52 million extension, with $35 million guaranteed. And what of Samuel? Yeah, we already have an answer.

If we see this trade from the 49ers’ side, the market has felt like a slap on their face. A fifth-round pick for Deebo? That’s not even close to his perceived value. But his hybrid role makes him tough to peg as a true WR1, plus his injury history has raised red flags before, and he’s heading into a contract year.

So, yes, the 49ers are likely holding out for at least a second or third-round pick, as we know the bidding war gets a little more aggressive when teams are closer to the draft. With big offseason moves around the corner, Deebo’s future is something we should keep an eye on.