San Francisco 49ers general manager John Lynch admitted that the 49ers engaged in trade talks involving wide receivers Deebo Samuel and Brandon Aiyuk earlier this offseason. While Lynch claimed those negotiations are in the past during a recent appearance on The Pat McAfee Show, speculation will continue running rampant after the 49ers drafted Ricky Pearsall in the first round. Samuel's future continues hanging in the balance.
Samuel is entering the second-to-last season of a previously signed three-year extension. A post-June 1 trade makes the most sense for the 49ers. Trading Samuel in June (or later) would save the 49ers nearly $22 million against the 2024 salary cap. With that possibility looming large, we've identified three teams that should consider acquiring Samuel via trade.
PITTSBURGH STEELERS
The Steelers entered the 2024 NFL Draft needing multiple receivers. General manager Omar Khan located terrific value by drafting former Michigan wideout Roman Wilson in the third round (No. 84). While I expect Wilson to make an immediate impact, the Steelers could use another upgrade alongside him and George Pickens.
Depending on how the Steelers view Wilson's capability to play outside, Van Jefferson is slated to be a starter in 11 or 12 personnel. Jefferson played for new offensive coordinator Arthur Smith in Atlanta last season, averaging just 39% of offensive snaps in his final four appearances. Smith possesses one of the most creative minds in the league and would likely appreciate an opportunity to replace Jefferson with Samuel, who would align all over his offensive formations.
LOS ANGELES CHARGERS
The Chargers passed on an opportunity to draft Malik Nabers despite needing a new No. 1 (and arguably No. 2) receiver. Jim Harbaugh instead decided to build his roster from the trenches out by opting for offensive tackle Joe Alt with a top-five pick.
General manager Joe Horitz ended up drafting three receivers, but two arrived via seventh-round picks in Brenden Rice and Cornelius Johnson. They can't possibly think that such late selections are going to solve their problem. Ladd McConkey projects as an instant contributor, but the Chargers should be hesitant to rely on Quentin Johnston and Joshua Palmer too much. The Chargers can afford to make a splash with $30 million in cap space.
ARIZONA CARDINALS
Inner-division trades involving superstars are rare, but not nonexistent. I believe the Super Bowl-contending 49ers would consider trading Samuel to the rebuilding Cardinals given how far they are from legitimately competing for the NFC West division title. The list of potential suitors may be short, and the 49ers aren't in a position to eliminate teams like the Cardinals who don't pose a threat to their 2024 aspirations. You’d rather trade him to Arizona than Kansas City or Buffalo.
The Cardinals began successfully retooling their playmaking depth chart by drafting Marvin Harrison Jr., but they should continue adding weapons around Kyler Murray to support Harrison Jr. They don't have a single veteran receiver or tight end on a lucrative contract. Arizona should pair Harrison Jr. with someone like Samuel while the former remains on his cost-controlled rookie deal.