The San Francisco 49ers are on the brink of being eliminated from playoff contention. While they could still win the division, they will need their star players to step up. One of their highest-paid playmakers could be playing for his future in the team’s final games.
While listing players who are playing for their jobs, FanSided’s Peter Panacy noted that Deebo Samuel could be traded or released if he cannot turn things around quickly.
“Samuel’s 2024 campaign is a shadow of his immaculate All-Pro 2021 efforts, which has only been highlighted by the sheer number of injuries suffered by other offensive stars like running back Christian McCaffrey and fellow receiver Brandon Aiyuk,” wrote Panacy. “Carrying the burden of needing to deliver amid the attrition, Samuel has largely failed.”
Samuel signed a three-year, $71 million extension with the 49ers following his All-Pro season in 2021. However, he has a $15.96 million cap hit in 2025. He has just 596 yards and two touchdowns in 13 games. He has just 95 rushing yards.
His contract makes him difficult to trade, so if the 49ers want to move on from him and his contract they would likely have to release him, potentially with a post-June 1 designation. Despite being the team’s best option for the majority of the year, Samuel has failed to produce. With the season on the line, if Samuel cannot be a key contributor he could end up playing elsewhere in 2025.
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