In the 2024 NFL Draft’s first round, the Pittsburgh Steelers opted for an offensive tackle, while the San Francisco 49ers surprised many by choosing to add to their wide receiver corps rather than trading away a receiver as speculated.
Selecting Florida’s talented wideout Ricky Pearsall with the 31st pick immediately fueled discussions regarding the future of the team’s established wide receivers.
Speculation had swirled around the availability of Brandon Aiyuk and Deebo Samuel prior to the draft, and the addition of a rookie receiver further ignited talks of potential roster changes.
Despite Aiyuk’s contract status and the buzz surrounding the 26-year-old as a prime candidate for a trade, reports suggest that the 49ers are leaning towards dealing Samuel instead, according to insights from the San Francisco Chronicle’s Mike Silver.
Samuel, at 28, presents an intriguing option for teams like the Steelers. Known for his versatility as a receiver and running back, Samuel commands a significant $28.6 million cap hit this season, with another substantial hit of $24.2 million slated for next year.
Throughout his five-year career, he has amassed impressive stats, totaling 4,122 receiving yards and 1,007 rushing yards, and scoring a combined 38 touchdowns.
While Samuel could potentially thrive in Arthur Smith’s offensive system, the Steelers are not necessarily prioritizing him over Aiyuk. Reports suggest they have been actively seeking a veteran wide receiver to complement George Pickens.
Given Samuel’s shorter two-year contract compared to a potential long-term signing with Aiyuk, the Pittsburgh Steelers may view Samuel as a more viable option.
Even though the 49ers’ trade dynamics may have shifted with Deebo Samuel emerging as the likelier candidate, the opportunity to bolster their roster through a potential trade remains on the table for interested teams like the Steelers.
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