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It’s unclear if 49ers receiver Deebo Samuel will act. It’s a bit clearer where it might be traded.
Multiple reports that emerged Friday suggested the Jets, Packers and Lions have all expressed interest in the trade. Regardless of the source, the fact that the same trio of teams were leaked to both ESPN and NFL Network strongly suggests it’s the same person disseminating the information. Usually in such situations it comes from the agent. When it comes from the team, it suggests the team is at least considering the move.
Frankly, it’s surprising that the list isn’t longer. This is an All Pro receiver, one of the best in the league. A dual threat weapon that can wreak havoc with the ball in hand.
It’s hard to imagine the 49ers selling him to the Packers, for the same reason it was hard to imagine the Packers selling Aaron Rodgers to the 49ers. Despite not playing in the same league, they are rivals whose paths cross from time to time in the postseason – including twice in the last three years.
The Lions make sense because Samuel’s mindset fits the attitude coach Dan Campbell is trying to create in the locker room. If Samuel were to choose Detroit voluntarily (even without no-trade clauses, players seem to have more power than ever in that regard) it would be a huge coup for the Lions.
The Jets continue to make the most sense given the multiple ties to the San Francisco coaching staff and the fact that the Jets were willing to trade for Tyreek Hill. They need guns for quarterback Zach Wilson. Samuel would go a long way to fill that need.
Other teams could make the move. Some teams (like the Patriots) may be involved with the express agreement that their name will not be mentioned as being involved.
Again, the 49ers should want to keep any potential trades under wraps until picks for the first round, which they would receive in 2022, are complete. That eliminates any chance of getting skipped for the guy you want once other teams see the 49ers occupy a specific spot on the draft board.
We’ll know more in five days when the draft starts. It’s entirely possible that we’ll officially hear of a Samuel trade when the commissioner goes to the podium, gets booed, and then announces that the 49ers are now on the clock.