Which teams could target Deebo? Could 49ers package Jimmy G? originally appeared on NBC Sports Bayarea
Now that All-Pro wide receiver Deebo Samuel has placed himself on the trade market, the 49ers are certain to get a few phone calls in the days leading up to the 2022 NFL Draft.
Samuel is among a group of three-year veteran wideouts who will likely sign new contracts this offseason. Seattle’s D.K. Metcalf, Tennessee’s A.J. Brown and Washington’s Terry McLaurin are the others expected to receive significant pay increases before again stepping on the field.
Samuel will almost assuredly sign a contract this offseason that makes him among the NFL’s highest-paid wide receivers.
But for which team will he sign that deal?
These are the teams that could be willing to make the 49ers an offer for Samuel they will find difficult to refuse:
The Jets have first-round draft picks at Nos. 4 and 10. Either of those selections might be too steep of a price to send to the 49ers in exchange for Samuel.
But the Jets also have selections at Nos. 35 and 38 of the second round. Perhaps, one of those selections, along with another pick or two could get the 49ers to seriously consider moving on from their most dynamic offensive playmaker.
Jets coach Robert Saleh knows how Samuel can influence a game. Samuel’s presence would be great for second-year quarterback Zach Wilson to turn short throws into long gains. Jets offensive coordinator Mike LaFleur, who served as the 49ers’ top assistant in the passing game, knows Samuel as well as anyone.
The Eagles figure to add another wide receiver to provide a target for quarterback Jalen Hurts. DeVonte Smith had a fine rookie season. They do not get a lot of consistency from anyone else in this group.
Samuel would fit in nicely as a proven veteran.
Philadelphia has first-round picks at Nos. 15 and 18. They would likely use one of those picks on a wide receiver. Or, they could offer to send one of those (and, perhaps, another selection or two) to…