5 potential landing spots for Deebo Samuel after trade request
Deebo Samuel wants off the San Francisco 49ers. Though it's still unclear whether the 49ers will agree to move on from their top offensive playmaker, San Francisco should expect several teams to make offers for Samuel, who's entering the final year of his rookie contract.
Here are the top five potential landing spots for the star wide receiver:
New York Jets
Potential offer: Jets acquire Samuel for 1st-round pick (No. 10 overall), 3rd-round pick (No. 69 overall)
It isn't news to anyone that the Jets are trying to bolster their wide receiver room. New York missed on Tyreek Hill, who chose the Miami Dolphins over the Jets this offseason after the Kansas City Chiefs made him available for trade. Head coach Robert Saleh and offensive coordinator Mike LaFleur are already familiar with Samuel after working together in San Francisco. LaFleur was the 49ers' passing game coordinator when the team drafted Samuel in the second round in 2019.
Samuel would instantly give New York one of the NFL's most dynamic wide receiver corps, adding to a group that already features the likes of Elijah Moore and Corey Davis. The Jets, who are one of eight teams that currently own multiple first-round picks this year, also have an extra selection in Round 2.
New Orleans Saints
Potential offer: Saints acquire Samuel for 1st-round pick (No. 19 overall), 3rd-round pick (No. 98 overall), G Cesar Ruiz
The trade for an extra first-round pick this year just got a whole lot more interesting for the Saints. Many around the NFL questioned why New Orleans acquired another Round 1 selection from the Philadelphia Eagles earlier this month, and although the Saints did give up a lot in the deal, they could now have enough assets to potentially land Samuel rather than draft a wide receiver early.
Acquiring Samuel would kill two birds with one stone for the Saints, who need more star power and depth at wide receiver. Michael Thomas didn't play at all last year due to injury, and running back Alvin Kamara finished the campaign with a team-high 47 receptions. With Thomas sidelined, Marquez Callaway was New Orleans' No. 1 wideout with just 698 yards and six touchdowns on 46 receptions.
Green Bay Packers
Potential offer: Packers acquire Samuel for 1st-round pick (No. 28 overall), 2nd-round pick (No. 53 overall)
Few teams in the NFL need a No. 1 star pass-catcher as much as the Packers. Green Bay is heading into the 2022 NFL Draft with a major need at wide receiver after losing Davante Adams and Marquez Valdes-Scantling. The Packers have 11 picks this year, including two first-rounders (22nd and 28th overall) and a total of four selections in the top 60.
Granted, it's fair to wonder whether the Packers would be willing to give Samuel a lucrative long-term deal after their recent contract dispute with Adams. However, money reportedly wasn't the main issue that led to Samuel's trade request. If the All-Pro pass-catcher wants a change of scenery to continue playing at a high level, joining Aaron Rodgers seems like a great idea.
Kansas City Chiefs
Potential offer: Chiefs acquire Samuel for 1st-round pick (No. 30 overall), 3rd-round pick (No. 103 overall), WR Mecole Hardman
A high-profile player leaving the NFC to join the AFC West - sound familiar? The Seattle Seahawks traded Russell Wilson to the Denver Broncos, the Packers sent Adams to the Las Vegas Raiders, and the Los Angeles Chargers acquired Khalil Mack from the Chicago Bears. A trade sending Samuel to the Chiefs would be the cherry on top for perhaps the wildest NFL offseason of all time.
The Chiefs, who've rebuilt their wide receiver depth chart with the signings of JuJu Smith-Schuster and Valdes-Scantling this year, have a pair of 2022 first-round picks to offer for Samuel. Yes, Kansas City just traded Hill because of his high contract demands, so potential negotiations with Samuel for a long-term extension could be an issue. Still, Samuel fits like a glove in the Chiefs' dynamic offense, and his versatility sure would make Kansas City's creative play-calling even scarier.
Philadelphia Eagles
Potential offer: Eagles acquire Samuel for 1st-round pick (No. 18 overall), 3rd-round pick (No. 101 overall), WR Jalen Reagor
With a big need at wide receiver, an emerging offense, and plenty of draft capital, Philly makes a lot of sense as a potential trade destination for Samuel. Few teams can offer as much as the Eagles, who have two first-round picks in this year's draft - and five selections in the first three rounds - to go along with another pair of first-rounders in 2023 and an extra second-round choice in '24.
Plus, there's a clear sense of urgency for Philadelphia to address its need at wide receiver. The team drafted a wideout in the first two rounds in each of the last three years (JJ Arcega-Whiteside in 2019, Jalen Reagor in 2020, and DeVonta Smith in 2021), but Arcega-Whiteside and Reagor turned out to be major busts. That explains why the Eagles were reportedly close to trading for Calvin Ridley this year before the league suspended the Atlanta Falcons receiver. Teaming up another dynamic playmaker with Smith is crucial for the development of third-year quarterback Jalen Hurts.
HEADLINES
- Cowboys win thriller after Commanders miss late PAT
- Offensive tackle Trent Williams joins list of 49ers out for Sunday's game against Packers
- Panthers' Ja'Tavion Sanders hospitalized after landing on neck
- Week 12 player props: Gibbs set to run wild against Colts' defense
- Week 12 Rankings (Sunday Update): Ravens, Chargers prepare to clash