Twitter is melting down over Deebo Samuel trade request
The San Francisco 49ers might soon be parting ways with star receiver Deebo Samuel after his trade request, and Twitter is going wild.
This has to be the most entertaining NFL offseason ever.
We have yet to reach the NFL Draft, and we’ve already seen Matt Ryan, Carson Wentz, Russell Wilson, Tyreek Hill, Davante Adams and Deshaun Watson all traded. Now, another could be added to the list in San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Deebo Samuel, who made his request to be moved public on Wednesday morning.
Breaking News: I just spoke to wide receiver Deebo Samuel — and he told me that he has asked the 49ers to trade him.
— Jeff Darlington (@JeffDarlington) April 20, 2022
He did not want to discuss specific reasons behind his request, but he has indeed let the 49ers know his desire to leave the organization. More to come.
In his third season out of South Carolina, the former second-round pick made both First-Team All-Pro and Pro Bowl status for the first time. Samuel rushed for 365 yards and eight touchdowns along with amassing 77 receptions for 1,405 yards and and an additional six scores.
On Twitter, the reactions to Samuel’s wanting out of San Francisco has tilted the website:
Just because Deebo Samuel has requested a trade, as @JeffDarlington reported, doesn’t meant the 49ers have to make one. But it is, at the very least, one more gigantic subplot to mix into Draft week, with other teams now figuring out ways to land one of the league’s top weapons. pic.twitter.com/Ag8PwkciOK
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) April 20, 2022
Money is not at the root of the issues for Deebo Samuel, otherwise that could be fixed with a big offer. But there are also issues with how he’s used. https://t.co/ZX7dKR2yik
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) April 20, 2022
deebo leaving the 49ers could mean big things for Aiyuk
— Danny Kelly (@DannyBKelly) April 20, 2022
I’m completely speculating here, but perhaps Deebo wants to strictly play wide receiver and avoid the extra toll that 100+ carries will put on his body? You’d think his 2021 second half usage would shorten his career (see RB shelf life)…
— Mike Clay (@MikeClayNFL) April 20, 2022
Game-changing player. Will be fascinating to see where he lands (and what he gets paid, having starred at both WR & RB last year for #49ers) https://t.co/LrJFgtopWW
— Pat Leonard (@PLeonardNYDN) April 20, 2022
Should the Niners decide to trade away Samuel, there will be a long line of interested suitors. However, the Green Bay Packers and Kansas City Chiefs immediately come to mind. Both teams have multiple draft picks in the first and second rounds, and each has a significant need at receiver after trading away Adams and Hill, respectively.
Furthermore, the Chiefs are well-positioned should they want to make a move from a financial standpoint, having a clean cap sheet in the years ahead. Green Bay would be in a tough spot cap-wise, but money can be moved around.
It should also be noted both teams have a good relationship with the Niners. Packers head coach Matt LaFleur worked extensively with Kyle Shanahan in Washington before Shanahan took the main job in San Francisco. Finally, in 2019, Chiefs general manager Brett Veach swung a big trade with San Francisco, sending edge rusher Dee Ford to the west coast for a second-round pick.