3 reasons why Deebo Samuel has requested a trade from 49ers
Deebo Samuel has asked the San Francisco 49ers to trade him following a disappointing 2024-25 season.
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Deebo Samuel (Image via AP)
The San Francisco 49ers had their most underwhelming season in the last five years. The team that made it as far as the Super Bowl last season was unable to secure a playoff berth due to their struggles on the field and player injuries.
The biggest disappointment was star wideout Deebo Samuel, who had under 700 receiving yards this season despite playing 15 games. Samuel has now requested permission to be traded during the players’ exit meetings held after the season.
The request was made to HC Kyle Shanahan. As reported by Adam Schefter of ESPN, Samuel revealed he had to do what was best for him.
It was a hard conversation to have with Kyle because of the relationship that we have. But I have to do what’s best. I’m more than thankful for the Niners giving me the opportunity of a lifetime, but now I think it’s best that we find another team.
Deebo Samuel said
His request was surprising because this is the second time in three years that he wants out. However, this time the 49ers have obliged.
There are three key reasons for Samuel wanting out, they are as follows:
3. Uncertainty of winning with the 49ers
The outcome of last season was shocking, to say the least for the 49ers. It is not often that a team that makes the Super Bowl struggles to reach the playoffs in the subsequent year. San Francisco has its share of problems. The biggest one is uncertainty. It is hard to tell if they are going to emerge as the best team in the NFC or struggle to make it through the playoffs.
With newer and better teams emerging in the division such as the Detroit Lions, Washington Commanders, and Philadelphia Eagles, Deebo Samuel understands that San Francisco’s Super Bowl window is shut tight. If he’s not going to compete for a championship, Samuel does not see the benefit of playing in such a franchise.
2. Kyle Shanahan and his play-calling
The last time that Deebo Samuel asked to be traded, San Francisco moved heaven and earth to accommodate his requests. They offered him a lucrative deal and convinced him to stay because he was important to the team. However, Kyle Shanahan’s attitude changed once he landed Christian McCaffrey.
The 49ers shifted to a run-dominant game with Brock Purdy handing the ball off to the running back for the most part. Their adaptation to the run game worked, and the team witnessed success.
Kyle Shanahan is looked at as an offensive mastermind. However, over the last few years, opposing defenses have figured his playbook out. His strategies are not yielding the same results they once did, and that is one of the reasons which has frustrated Deebo Samuel.
1. Deebo Samuel is no longer the WR1 on the 49ers
Despite what his paycheck and the captain’s tag on his jersey might say, Deebo Samuel is no longer the first option on the 49ers. The wide receiver averaged 5.4 targets per game, which ties his career low, which he recorded in his rookie season.
The emergence of fresh talent such as Brandon Aiyuk who is the new go-to man for San Francisco, a reliable receiver in Jauan Jennings, and a talented wideout in Ricky Pearsall, the 49ers can do without Samuel. To him, the availability of so many options around him is not a good thing because it limits his production and potential.
Which is why Deebo Samuel is convinced he will do better off in a different environment. The man is talented and in the right situation. He will have an immediate change, but wherever he goes, Samuel will need to be the WR1, or else it will not work out.
Related: Derrick Henry doesn’t want either Chiefs or Eagles to win Super Bowl LIX
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Sumedh Joshi
(2314 Articles Published)