The Baltimore Ravens need another wide receiver, and the San Francisco 49ers may need to trade one.
Sounds like a perfect match, right?
Apparently, the Ravens called the 49ers to inquire about the availability of Deebo Samuel, according to Jason La Canfora of 105.7 The Fan.
La Canfora says that Baltimore was rebuffed “for now.”
Recently, Samuel’s name was thrown about in trade speculation by fans, and he was asked about it on the Up & Adams Show. Samuel merely dismissed it as Internet talk, but perhaps there is some fuel to the fire?
San Francisco has a very tight financial situation, and there has already been chatter that the club may have difficulty retaining fellow wide out Brandon Aiyuk.
Of course, extending Aiyuk would be a much easier pill to swallow if the Niners clear some money, and trading Samuel would be a good way to do that.
As valuable as Samuel as been to the 49ers’ offense over the years, it has become blatantly clear that Aiyuk is the team’s No. 1 receiver, and it will absolutely be tough to keep both players on the roster moving forward.
Samuel is coming off of a 2023 campaign in which he played 15 games and caught 60 passes for 892 yards and seven touchdowns. He also rushed for 225 yards and five scores.
The 28-year-old has two years remaining on his deal and is slated to earn just under $21 million in base salary next season. He will make $16.6 million in base salary in 2025.
Meanwhile, Aiyuk’s contract expires after next year. He is two years younger than Samuel and just hauled in 75 receptions for 1,342 yards and seven scores this past season.
While Samuel provides more versatility, Aiyuk is unquestionably the superior receiver, and he has also been more durable than Samuel.
Chances are, the 49ers will hold on to both guys heading into 2024, but the fact that Deebo Samuel trade chatter is already occurring could make for an interesting next 12 months.
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